Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum

Explore 50 acres of the Arboretum’s majestic trees during this one-of-a-kind spectacle of color, light, and sound.

New this year—Illumination features four colorful animal sculptures from The Morton Arboretum’s newest exhibition Vivid Creatures, by artists Heather BeGaetz and Fez BeGaetz. See these colorful sculptures lit up for the holidays and transformed for the Illumination experience.

Illumination was recognized last year as one of the country’s top 10 “Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights” by USA TODAY. Don’t miss what’s in store for this year!

Tickets

Tickets for Arboretum members will be available on Wednesday, October 1, at 9:00 a.m.

Tickets will be available for all on Wednesday, October 15, at 9:00 a.m.

Become a member for the best price and to get early access to Illumination tickets and visit The Morton Arboretum all year long without purchasing general admission.

Illumination offers convenient ticket rebooking. Prices may differ between dates.

Learn more about Illumination ticket details and available discounts.

Tickets

Tickets for Arboretum members go on sale on Wednesday, October 1, at 9:00 a.m.

Tickets will be available for all starting on Wednesday, October 15, at 9:00 a.m.

Children three and younger are admitted to Illumination at no cost.

Become a member to get early access and best pricing for Illumination tickets. Members receive the lowest ticket prices, with a 20% discount on all tickets.

Event Schedule

Illumination opens on Saturday, November 15, 2025, and runs through Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. each night.

Closures

Illumination will be closed on the following dates:

Monday, November 17
Monday, November 24
Thursday, November 27 (Thanksgiving)
Monday, December 1
Tuesday, December 2
Monday, December 8
Monday, December 15
Wednesday, December 24 (Christmas Eve)
Thursday, December 25 (Christmas Day)

Plan-Ahead Pricing

Prices for Illumination vary based on the day and time. Plan-ahead pricing allows you to get the best deal on Illumination tickets when you buy in advance. The farther in advance you purchase tickets, the more you save!

For busier periods with higher estimated attendance, prices will reflect high demand. For quieter attendance days, prices will be lower.

The amount you save varies, but the prices listed for each date will always be the lowest option at that time, for that particular date. Prices will never decrease but they may increase. Buying ahead is always your best option!

AnyDay Tickets

Illumination AnyDay tickets are special, single-use tickets that can be used once by either an adult or a child (age 4 and older), at any entry time, on any day of Illumination.

Please note that although AnyDay tickets have one date indicated, they are valid for any Illumination date. AnyDay tickets are not valid for IllumiBrew or Electric Illumination.

AnyDay tickets will be available for Arboretum members on Wednesday, October 1, at 9:00 a.m.

AnyDay tickets will be available for all starting on Wednesday, October 15, at 9:00 a.m.

Museums for All Discounted Tickets

Through the Arboretum’s participation in the Museums for All program, a limited number of reduced-rate Illumination tickets are available on select dates for guests with a state-issued Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT, P-EBT or LINK) card, or a valid WIC card.

Tickets for available dates and times can be purchased online or in person. When buying tickets online, a valid LINK or WIC card is required to receive the discounted rate. Online ticket purchasers will receive an email confirmation and must show a valid LINK or WIC card with their tickets at the entrance on the night of the event. Up to 10 Museums for All tickets can be purchased.

Museums for All tickets will be available for all starting on Wednesday, October 15, at 9:00 a.m.

Accessibility

The Illumination trail is a one-mile paved path that is ADA compliant for those with limited mobility. The exhibition is not visible or accessible by car.

Wheelchair Rentals and Personal Mobility

The Arboretum has a small number of nonmotorized wheelchairs available to rent free of charge in the Visitor Center. Guests must leave a driver’s license or other photo ID to check out a wheelchair.

Because the supply is limited, we recommend bringing a wheelchair to the Arboretum if one is needed. Wheelchair rentals are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Personal mobility scooters may also be used on the trail.

Arboretum staff make best efforts to clear the path of ice and snow. Crowds are generally lighter on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, making it easier to navigate the trail.

Sensory Needs and Supports

Please be aware that Illumination features moving and flashing lights along the trail. There are no strobe lights in the exhibition. Laser features are directed away from guests and follow International Laser Display Association safety standards.

Guests may borrow sensory supports such as headphones, sunglasses, fidgets, or a copy of the Illumination social story (English, Spanish) when they arrive. Guests can use the social story to help prepare for their visit.

Any loaned items should be returned to the Information Desk in the Visitor Center before departure.

Sensory Night

The Illumination sensory night on Tuesday, November 18, offers a modified experience featuring static lights and music at low volume. Tickets will be available in a limited capacity to provide a sensory-sensitive environment. Tickets for the Illumination Sensory Night will be available for Arboretum members on October 1, and available to all on October 16.

Service Animals

The Morton Arboretum welcomes visitors with service animals to Illumination. Please note that pets are not permitted at Illumination except on special Dog Admission Nights.

Accessible Parking

Parking is available near the Illumination entrance for those with a disability placard on their vehicle—please notify the parking attendant as you drive in. Otherwise, parking is first come, first served, and is directed by parking attendants.

Guests directed to a secondary lot (parking lot P-21), near the Thornhill Education Center on the Arboretum’s West Side, can take a shuttle bus that will transport them to the main event area. Please note that this is the only shuttle bus during Illumination and it only runs between parking lot P-21 and the Visitor Center. The bus does not have a wheelchair lift.

If you do not have a disability placard and someone in your party has mobility concerns, you are also welcome to drop off passengers in the circle drive adjacent to the Visitor Center before you park. Please notify the parking attendants and they will direct you accordingly.

Food and Drinks

A concession tent along the Illumination trail will serve snacks and hot beverages. S’mores are available for roasting on the fire pits. The concession tent will be open from 4:30 to 9:00 p.m. during Illumination.

Concessions and Beverages

Treats
Double Fudge Brownie
Rice Krispies Treat™
Peppermint Bark
Frosted Holiday Cookie
Jumbo Pretzel with Dipping Sauce
S’mores Kit

Beverages
Hot Chocolate
Hot Chocolate with Baileys®
Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Schnapps
Hot Cider
Hot Cider with Spiced Rum
Boxed Water™

Ginkgo Restaurant

A full dining and beverage menu featuring freshly made sandwiches, salads, burgers, and more is available from the Ginkgo Restaurant, located inside the Visitor Center. The restaurant is open until 8:00 p.m. during Illumination. Guests can purchase sandwiches, salads, and soups, along with assorted alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages.

The Ginkgo Restaurant is not open during Electric Illumination.

Special Nights

IllumiBrew

At IllumiBrew, a festival-style event for adults 21 and older on Friday, November 14, guests can get a first look at this year’s Illumination experience while tasting local beers and brews along the festive trail.

Sensory Night

On Tuesday, November 18, the Illumination Sensory Night offers a modified experience featuring static lights and music at low volume. Tickets will be available in a limited capacity to provide a sensory-sensitive environment.

Electric Illumination

Electric Illumination is a special experience designed for guests 18 years and older. Enjoy the Illumination trail with a new mix of music each week and with more room to party and celebrate the holidays with friends on Fridays, December 5, 12, and 19.

Dog Admission Nights

New this year! Guests can bring their furry friends to be part of the fun. Illumination Dog Admission Nights will be hosted on three Wednesdays this season—December 3, 10, and 17. Separate tickets are required for dog admission.

Ticket Rebooking

The Morton Arboretum offers a convenient way to make changes to existing ticket reservations for Illumination ticket holders.

You can use the Arborteum’s online rebooking tool to change your tickets from one date to another. There may be a cost difference between the two dates. Note: only dates and times that are still available will show during the rebooking process.

To look up an existing order, enter your order ID and last name in the field below. You can find your order ID listed on the “Order Summary” email that was sent to you from tickets@mortonarb.org.

If you have questions, you can contact the ticket line by email at tickets@mortonarb.org or by phone at 630-725-2066, Monday through Sunday (excluding holidays), 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Please note that this tool is currently only available for use when rebooking Illumination or Electric Illumination tickets.

Why does my AnyDay ticket include a date?

AnyDay tickets have one date indicated, but they are valid for any Illumination date.
Are there any Illumination ticket discounts available?

Members of The Morton Arboretum always receive the lowest ticket prices. Become a member today.

Through the Arboretum’s participation in the Museums for All program, a limited number of reduced-rate Illumination tickets are available on select dates for guests with a state-issued Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT or LINK) card, or a valid WIC card. Tickets may be purchased online or in person, as long as the date and time is not sold out. When buying tickets at the gatehouse, purchasers are required to show a valid LINK or WIC card to receive the discounted rate. When purchasing online, purchasers will receive an email confirmation and must show a valid LINK or WIC card with their tickets at the entrance on the night of the event.
Why are prices different on the same days?

Plan-ahead pricing is adjusted daily based on a variety of factors, such as remaining tickets available, weather conditions, and most popular times. As those variables change, ticket prices may go up for particular times and dates. Prices will not go down from those listed at the time you check the website. The further in advance you purchase your tickets, the more you save.
I want to change my tickets. What is the refund and exchange policy?

Illumination ticket purchases are nonrefundable. However, guests may be able to exchange tickets in advance for a fee of $1 per ticket, depending upon event capacity and at the discretion of the Arboretum. Tickets can be rebooked (prior to their original start time) using the Arboretum rebooking tool. Guests who need additional assistance can also email the help desk or call 630-725-2066.

Only dates and times that are still available will show during the rebooking process. Once the event date and time have passed, rebooking is no longer an option.

If the Arboretum cancels a night of Illumination (in whole or part), we will accommodate ticket holders according to the cancellation policy.
Can I get admission for an Arboretum day visit and Illumination tickets in the same transaction?

Event tickets may always be added to general admission reservations; however, we encourage you to purchase Illumination tickets in a separate transaction, if possible, to ensure that the scan codes are kept separate.
Can I walk or snowshoe at the Arboretum during the day on Illumination dates?

On days with four or more inches of snow, Illumination attendees are welcome to bring snowshoes or cross-country skis to the Arboretum during usual daylight hours. During Illumination, the East Side of the Arboretum will close at 3:00 p.m. to prepare for opening of the exhibition each evening at 4:30 p.m. Only the West Side is available for skiing or snowshoeing prior to mid-January, when Illumination equipment is removed on the East Side). Once Illumination is over rentals will be available based on snowfall.
If Illumination is canceled due to weather, can I get a refund?

Because Illumination is an outdoor event in winter, on very rare occasions the Arboretum may cancel an evening or temporarily close the event until weather passes. Many factors are considered, including predictions from the National Weather Service and other weather services, before making a decision that has an impact on guests. If Illumination is canceled or temporarily closed for part of an evening, ticket holders will be notified via email, and notice will be posted to the Arboretum’s website homepage. We will honor tickets on alternate nights, schedule permitting. For more information, email or call the ticket line at tickets@mortonarb.org or 630-725-2066 between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily (except holidays).
If I have tickets and decide not to go to Illumination due to weather conditions, can I get a refund or exchange my tickets for another date?

Ticket holders who make the choice not to attend Illumination based on their personal circumstances may request a ticket exchange, depending on schedule and ticket availability, for a $1 fee per ticket. Refunds are not available. Once the event date and time have passed, rebooking is no longer an option.

For more information, use the Arboretum Rebooking Tool, email the help desk, or call the ticket line at 630-725-2066 between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily (except holidays).
Can I enter the Arboretum before the time on my Illumination ticket?

Illumination ticket holders may enter the Arboretum after 4:30 p.m., but will not be able to access the Illumination trail or Visitor Center until the time listed on their tickets. Due to often cold weather conditions, we encourage ticket holders to arrive as close as possible to the time on their tickets for the best experience.
Is the Illumination trail accessible for those with physical disabilities?

Yes. The Illumination trail is a one-mile paved path that is ADA compliant and fully accessible to guests with limited mobility. Please see the Illumination Accessibility section for more information.

Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum
November 15, 2025 through January 3, 2026
IllumiBrew
Friday, November 14, 2025
Electric Illumination
Three Fridays, December 5, 12, and 19
Located on an ADA compliant, one-mile paved walking path
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