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HOLIDAY FESTIVITIES AT THE MORTON ARBORETUM

MAKE CHERISHED FAMILY MEMORIES THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS

Seasonal Activities And Beautiful Trees At The Morton Arboretum Holiday Celebration

LISLE, IL (November 12, 2010) – Families make lasting memories with holiday delights and wintry beauty among the trees at The Morton Arboretum, November 26–January 2. A charming model train exhibit, professionally-decorated Christmas trees, the Yule Log Hunt, and the Cat in the Hat are sure to make the season bright!

Newly-redesigned for this year, the “Enchanted Railroad” features a fanciful, seven-foot-tall tree cradling a globe in the canopy. “We wanted to change the perspective of the earth supporting trees with a display reminding us that trees really do give back to, and support, the earth,” says Paul Fujihara of Outhouse Design, the train display’s designer. Surrounding the tree are forests and a park, all in their wintertime splendor of snow, ice, and icicles.

Up to nine trains can operate at the same time on the 430 feet of track thanks to an intricate switching system. Tracks even cross each other in the double-decker display! The LGB Model Railroad Club of Chicago provides the equipment including colorful cars carrying Christmas presents, Santa, coal cars, a coal “elevator,” music, and more.

One car carries a tiny camera that records what the train “sees” as it winds through the forests and over trestles. The camera’s images, shown on a wall-mounted screen, give onlookers a sense of what it would be like to ride the train. For added fun, visitors receive a list of exhibit components, such as animals, and test their powers of observation to see how many items on the list they can spot.

The trains run daily in the Visitor Center Sycamore Room, November 26 – January 2, except on Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Year’s Day, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Woodland’s Haven is the theme for the stunning, 14-foot-tall Arboretum Tree. It’s the highlight in this year’s display of several fabulous, sparkling indoor "Holiday Trees" which professional artists, designers, and the Arboretum's own botanical arrangers decorated. The Arboretum Tree features gold-tipped, dried and preserved leaves and foliage in auburn and deep burgundy. Look closely for the birds and their nests, pheasant feathers, ribbons, ornaments, and more. See the trees in the Visitor Center, November 26 – January 3 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (through December; 4 p.m. in January).

A holiday season classic is perfect for getting outdoors with the visiting relatives and friends. Test your deductive reasoning and hiking skills in the annual “Yule Log Hunt,” December 26 at 2 p.m. Interpret a set of rhyming clues that hint at the hidden log’s location as you and others set out to find the log. When it’s found, it’s dragged back to the Visitor Center area where all enjoy a spicy ale called wassail, a bonfire, and an award to the log’s finder. You’ll get a good belly laugh when the Frozen Robins sing Christmas carols adding their own brand of humor.

Little children have a hunt that’s just their size! “Yule Twig Hunt” sends adventurers around the Children’s Garden to find a Yule Twig. This drop-in, self-guided activity occurs December 26: 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

The Arboretum Store brings holiday cheer with two special events. The Cat in the Hat greets visitors to celebrate the new Learning Library book series, including “I Can Name 50 Trees Today” on December 11: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.  And on December 16 from 5 – 8 p.m., it’s “Beer and Baubles – Men’s Shopping Night!” Experts help men find the perfect items for those special people on their gift lists. Two Brother's Brewery in Warrenville provides the beer for free sampling.

Arboretum admission is free on Thanksgiving and Christmas; the buildings and Children’s Garden are closed, but restrooms are available. Otherwise, admission is:

$11/adult, ($7 on Wednesday), ages 18-64
$10/senior, ($6 on Wednesday), ages 65 and over
$8/child ($5 on Wednesday), ages 2-17
Under age 2 is free
Parking is free

 

The Morton Arboretum gratefully acknowledges ComEd, the Youth and Family Program Sponsor.

The Morton Arboretum is a world-renowned leader in tree science and education, working to save and plant trees. The 1,700-acre outdoor museum features magnificent collections of 4,117 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. Central Time until sunset. The Children's Garden is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., March through October, and 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., November through February. Visit Press Room at www.mortonarb.org, call to learn more.

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

Allison Phelps, (office) 630-719-5768, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it