Illumination

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

Illumination features four colorful animal sculptures from The Morton Arboretum’s exhibition Vivid Creatures, by artists Heather BeGaetz and Fez BeGaetz.

Tickets

Tickets for the upcoming season of Illumination will be available to Arboretum members on Thursday, October 1, at 9:00 a.m. Illumination tickets will be available to all on Thursday, October 15, at 9:00 a.m.

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

Special Nights

IllumiBrew

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

Sensory Night

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.

Dog Admission Nights

Guests can bring their canine companions to be part of the fun. Illumination Dog Admission Nights are hosted throughout the Illumination season. Dog tickets must be purchased separately.

Accessibility

The Illumination trail is a one-mile paved path that is ADA-compliant. The paved path is walkable and rollable for wheelchairs, mobility devices, and strollers.

The exhibition is not visible or accessible by car.

Wheelchair Rentals and Personal Mobility Scooters

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.

Illumination Sensory Night

Service Animals

The Morton Arboretum welcomes visitors with trained service animals. Please note that pets, emotional support and therapy animals are not permitted except on special Illumination 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.

Available for purchase in the concession tent along the Illumination trail, this one-of-a-kind hot chocolate is perfectly paired with a cozy fire and winter weather.

Concession and bar menu items will be announced closer to the 2026 Illumination experience.

Ginkgo Restaurant

A full dinner and beverage menu including freshly-made sandwiches, salads, burgers, and assorted alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages is available from the Ginkgo Restaurant, located inside the Visitor Center.

The restaurant is open until 8:00 p.m. during all Illumination dates. Ticketholders can enter the restaurant as early as the entry time listed on their Illumination ticket.

Upgrade Your Experience

You can make your visit to Illumination a truly special experience. With options and items to purchase, you can reserve parking, rent private domes for your group, and enjoy a meal looking out at the holiday light display from inside the Arboretum’s Ginkgo Restaurant.

Premium Parking

Available for purchase in advance of your visit to Illumination, a Premium Parking add-on option reserves parking in our Administration Parking Lot, close to the Illumination entrance.

IllumiDome Rentals

New this year—cozy IllumiDomes can be rented ahead of your visit to Illumination.

IllumiDomes are private, 13-foot, see-through domes showing stunning views of the Illumination light displays, perfect for groups of up to 10 people.

IllumiDomes can be reserved for one of two time slots at 5:00–6:30 p.m. or 7:30–9:00 p.m.

Reserve your IllumiDome by submitting an inquiry form or by calling the Arboretum’s Signature Events team at 630-719-2457.

Along with your IllumiDome rental, your group receives:

One warm, nonalcoholic beverage voucher per guest
A s’more kit for each guest to enjoy
A festive basket of holiday treats, including brownies, cookies, and peppermint bark.
Optional upgrade: Add an alcoholic beverage package for additional $5 per guest

Proposal Package

An IllumiDome Proposal Package is also available, perfect for popping the question! The Proposal Package includes:

90-minute private dome rental for up to 10 guests
2 tickets to the Illumination experience for the couple
Bottle of champagne with toasting flutes
Artisan cheese board
Chocolate-covered strawberries
Warm beverage vouchers
Holiday treat basket

IllumiDome rentals are available Thursday through Sunday throughout the Illumination season, as well as on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Admission to Illumination is not included in the rental fee.

Payment is by credit card and due in full at the time of booking. Proof of Illumination ticket purchase for the desired rental date and time must be provided at time of booking.

Food and Drinks

A heated concession tent can be found along the Illumination trail, serving a signature s’mores hot chocolate, snacks, as well as alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages.

Inside the Visitor Center, the Ginkgo Restaurant will be open late until 8:00 p.m. on Illumination nights serving meals and beverages from a special Illumination menu.

Ticketholders can enter the restaurant as early as the entry time listed on their Illumination ticket.

The Arboretum Store

Located inside the Visitor Center, The Arboretum Store will be open late until 8:00 p.m. during Illumination for ticketholders to browse and purchase holiday gifts and Morton Arboretum apparel. The entry time on your Illumination ticket is the earliest you can enter The Arboretum Store. Show your support for trees and pick up the perfect gift for tree-lovers in your life.

Ticket Rebooking

Lea en español.

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 on-site at the Sycamore Room, 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. Guests may be able to exchange tickets in advance of the date on their original ticket, depending upon ticket availability on the new date. Tickets can be rebooked using The Morton Arboretum’s rebooking tool. There may be a cost difference between the original and the new dates. Guests who need additional assistance can also email the help desk or call 630-725-2066 between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily, except holidays.

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 be able to exchange tickets in advance of the date on their original ticket, depending upon ticket availability on the new date. Tickets can be rebooked using The Morton Arboretum’s rebooking tool. There may be a cost difference between the original and the new dates. Illumination ticket purchases are nonrefundable.

For more information, use the Arboretum’s 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).

If the Arboretum cancels a night of Illumination (in whole or part), we will accommodate ticketholders according to the cancellation policy.
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, the Visitor Center, The Arboretum Store, or the Ginkgo Restaurant until the time listed on their tickets.

In cold weather conditions, we encourage ticket holders to arrive as close as possible to the time on their tickets for the best experiences as there is no place to wait indoors before the entry time listed on your ticket.
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.
Can I bring my dog to Illumination?

The Morton Arboretum welcomes visitors with task-trained service animals. Please note that pets, emotional support and therapy animals are not permitted except on special Illumination Dog Admission Nights.

Dogs attending Illumination must be on a leash and should be comfortable with crowds.

Dogs will not be allowed inside the Visitor Center.