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Schedule and Location
Friday, November 16, 2018 through Tuesday, January 1, 2019.
On November 16, join us for the new IllumiBrew opening night event! Be among the first to see the new season of Illumination, while sampling beer from more than a dozen top local breweries stationed along the path. Ages 21+ only.
NOTE: Illumination is closed on Mondays, except for December 31. It is also closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
Tickets are available for specific times, beginning at 4:30 p.m.
Admission ends at 8:30 p.m.
Lights out at 9:30 p.m.
See Illumination's musical entertainment LEARN MORE
See trees in a different light at Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum. You'll be surrounded by color as you walk a one-mile paved path amid interactive lighting effects that highlight the beauty of trees in winter. Enjoy seasonal music, marvel at ever-changing, interactive lighting designs, and warm up by a crackling fire with a cozy drink or roast marshmallows for s’mores.
This year offers fresh twists on favorite experiences and surprising new sights, including art from HYBYCOZO–amazing treelike sculptures that spread intricate designs of light. Hug a tree to see how it responds, let starlike lights wash over you in a grove of trees, and watch multicolored lights dance to symphonic music.
Fees and Admission
Not a member? Join now and save.
MEMBER PRICES
Members always save during Illumination. See how.
Illumination AnyDay Tickets
Available in a limited quantity and exclusively to Arboretum members. AnyDay tickets are available only through October 31.
AnyDay tickets: $30.00 Adult/Child (2 to 17 years old) Learn more
Early-Bird Tickets
Members who purchase Early-Bird tickets from Monday, October 1 through Wednesday, October 31 receive the greatest savings.
Weekend (Friday/Saturday/Sunday)
Adult: $15.00
Child (2 to 17 years old): $8.00
Weekday (Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday/December 31)
Adult: $12.00
Child (2 to 17 years old): $6.00
Member Tickets (Beginning November 1)
Weekend (Friday/Saturday/Sunday)
Adult: $18.00
Child (2 to 17 years old): $10.00
Weekday (Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday/December 31)
Adult: $13.00
Child (2 to 17 years old): $7.00
Children under two are free. No ticket necessary.
NONMEMBER PRICES
Weekend (Friday/Saturday/Sunday)
Adult: $23.00
Child (2 to 17 years old): $15.00
Weekday (Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday/December 31)
Adult: $18.00
Child (2 to 17 years old): $12.00
Children under two are admitted for free. No ticket necessary.
Ticket Exchanges
Choose your dates carefully, as all Illumination tickets are for a specific date and time. Ticket purchases are nonrefundable. You may be able to exchange your tickets in advance, however, depending upon event capacity. Same-day exchanges cannot be accommodated.
There will be an exchange fee of $5 per transaction and, if necessary, an upgrade in ticket price to match the cost of for your new day and time.
If the Arboretum cancels a night of Illumination (in whole or part), we will accommodate ticket holders according to the cancellation policy.
Museums for All
The Arboretum offers a limited number of tickets on select weeknights at a reduced rate to visitors with a state-issued EBT card (also known as LINK) or WIC card. Tickets can be purchased online or in person as long as the date is not sold out. learn more
Registration Information
BY PHONE: 630-725-2066, Monday-Friday, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
IN PERSON: Stop by the Visitor Center during open hours
ONLINE:BUY TICKETS NOW
Illumination is generously supported by Invesco QQQ and ComEd.
