Delightful Family Fun At The Morton Arboretum Holiday Celebration

Incredible Train Exhibit Highlights Seasonal Excitement

LISLE, IL (November 5, 2007) – Trees and nature are at their sparkling best when the whole family enjoys winter fun in The Morton Arboretum annual Holiday Celebration.

Everyone will come away from “The Arboretum Express” model train display loving trees and nature. This year’s multi-level display features living plants, and is far grander than ever before. Trains pass through four seasons of “Arboretum” woodlands, wetlands, savannah, and prairie. There’s even a waterfall and lake! See the snow-dusted bur oaks, and hear the spring peepers darting among the wetlands. Notice the summer prairie grasses’ texture, and the woodland trees’ rich fall colors. In a real twist, one car will carry a mounted camera, so visitors can see the sights as a rider on this train would see them. Santa has his own trolley! Up to 10 trains can operate on the 430 feet of track. The trains run daily in the Visitor Center Events Room, November 23 – January 6, except Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Year’s Day, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Jolly ‘ol Santa can trace his roots to a Holly King that did fierce battle in ancient times, or so goes the legend that is re-created in “Solstice Feast” – an engaging, satisfying and truly unique holiday dinner-theatre experience. Professional actors in lavish costumes sing, dance, and tell stories revealing fascinating myths and legends of the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. Learn how people in faraway lands developed traditions such as kissing under the mistletoe. Let your imagination run wild with stories about Jack Frost, the Green Man, and more in this feast for body, mind, and spirit. Guests can also share their own pre-holiday traditions and memories. Recommended for ages 12 and above. In the Ginkgo Restaurant, December 2, 9, 16 and 23: 6 – 9 p.m. Tickets are $60, member discount available. Reservations required; call 630/725-2066.

Sparkle, pizzazz, and mystery come together in “Where Treetops Glisten.” The centerpiece is the stunning “Arboretum Tree” created by talented floral display artists of M&M, The Special Events Company. This 14-foot-tall “signature tree” will be positively glistening, and its branches will hide surprises! Also on display in the Visitor Center are professionally-decorated trees from The Canterbury Shoppe in Naperville, Phillips Flowers and Gifts in Westmont, All Flowers By Marissa in Wheaton, and American Gardens, Inc. in Elmhurst. Daily, November 23 – January 6: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

"The Picture Man" takes your family holiday photo indoors in front of the spectacular Arboretum Christmas tree. No appointment necessary. $35 Package includes one 8 by 10, two 5 by 7's and four wallet-sized photos. Cash or check required at time of sitting, photos will be mailed. November 25: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

It’s a madcap holiday adventure on the heated “Evergreen Express” trolley ride, featuring the fictional Henry Humdinger and the zany citizens of "Arboreta-ville". The Humdinger clan, a favorite during Halloween tram rides of the past, is now experiencing adventures in the Arboretum’s winter landscapes. Guests and storyteller interact, and the hilarity mounts as the tale progresses. Everyone receives a hot cup of cocoa and a gourmet holiday cookie. Tickets are $13, member discount available. Sundays November 25 - December 30, Wednesdays, December 26 and January 2, and Fridays, December 28 and January 4.  Four rides daily: 10:30 a.m., 11:15 a.m., Noon, and 12:45 p.m. Meet in the Visitor Center.

Take part in a special ceremony to “summon back” that elusive sun in a light-hearted “Winter Solstice Walk.” Re-enact deeds from times of yore as we celebrate the shortest day of the year with ancient and modern solstice traditions from around the world. December 22: 4 -5 p.m. Meet in Arbor Court.

Some of Chicago’s most well-respected orchestras, including Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Sinfonietta, and that of the Lyric Opera, are represented in the Axia Chamber Ensemble, a brand new chamber group that will perform seasonal works. That’ll be on December 2 at 2:15 p.m. at Thornhill Education Center. Tickets are $23, member discount available.

The Morton Arboretum gratefully acknowledges Aquascape and Unilock for their in-kind contributions to the train exhibit.

Unless otherwise specified, all Arboretum events and destinations including the Children’s Garden are free with Arboretum admission, which is:

• $9 per person ($6 on Wednesday), ages 18-64
• $8 per person, ($5 on Wednesday), ages 65 and over
• $6 per person, ($4 on Wednesday), ages 3-17
• (Under age 3 is free)
• Parking is free.

The Morton Arboretum is an internationally recognized 1,700-acre outdoor museum with collections of 4,057 kinds of trees, shrubs, and other plants from around the world. The Arboretum's beautiful natural landscapes, gardens, research and education programs, and year-round family activities support its mission – the planting and conservation of trees and other plants for a greener, healthier, and more beautiful world. Conveniently located at I-88 and Rte. 53 in Lisle, Illinois, the Arboretum is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. or sunset, whichever is earlier, Central Time. The Children's Garden is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (CDT) and 9:30 to 4 p.m. (CST). Visit www.mortonarb.org or call 630-968-0074 to learn more.

Media Contact:    Gina Tedesco, 630-725-2103, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it