New for 2024 is an Illumination sensory evening on Tuesday, December 3, from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m.; last entry is at 8:00 p.m. This modified experience will feature static lights and music at low volume. Tickets are available in a limited capacity for the event on this night to provide a sensory-sensitive environment.

Specular light: Lighting source very powerful in the center that gradually loses energy toward its extremes. Like a traditional torch. It generates very exposed and bright areas in the subject. Like the lights used in photo calls and interviews.

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.

Please note: Illumination will be closed on Monday, December 16, and Tuesday, December 17. Browse online for upcoming dates and times.

A secluded glade is strung with fairy lights, kinetic LED tall grasses honor a Midwest native species, and trees light up with a hug. New this year, Celebration Circle is an interactive light display in The Gerard T. Donnelly Grand Garden featuring four sets of illuminated tree-shaped installations, each synced to the music of a different instrument.

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).

Located in Centennial Plaza in The Grand Garden, Celebration Circle is a new Illumination experience featuring four interactive sets of abstract trees. Each tree lights up with dynamic colors that are synced to a different instrument: grand organ, bass, bells, and strings.

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A concession tent located on Frost Hill 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.

Monday, November 18 Tuesday, November 19 Monday, November 25 Thursday, November 28 (Thanksgiving) Monday, December 2 Monday, December 9 Tuesday, December 10 Monday, December 16 Tuesday, December 17 Tuesday, December 24 (Christmas Eve) Wednesday, December 25 (Christmas Day)

Diffused light Ceiling

Ticketed Illumination and Electric Illumination guests may enter the Visitor Center to eat, shop, and use the restrooms after the entry time on their tickets. Illumination guests who arrive before 4:30 and need a warm place to wait may do so in the hallway in front of the west pavilion restrooms.

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.

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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.

If the lighting source is way bigger than the subject and it's place near of it, the light beam will be curved a lot, even they will get mixed at some point. Consequently the profile of the subject will not be represented in the shadows.

If the size of the lighting source is smaller than the object or it is placed far away from it, the light beam won't bend creating very hard and defined shadows.

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.

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.

Celebrate the holidays and marvel at how light transforms a magnificent landscape at Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum.

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.

With plan-ahead pricing for Illumination and Electric Illumination, choose the price, date, and time that best fit your budget and schedule. The further in advance you purchase your tickets, the more you save!

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.

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 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.

These days we are lucky enough to apply the same photographic and cinematographic principles to our work as visual effects artists lighting shots. That's why we are always talking about cinematography and cinematic language. Today we are going to talk about some very common techniques in the cinematography world: hard light, soft light, specular light and diffuse light.

New for 2024 is an Illumination sensory evening on Tuesday, December 3, from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m.; last entry is at 8:00 p.m. This modified experience will feature static lights and music at low volume. Tickets are available in a limited capacity for the event on this night to provide a sensory-sensitive environment.

The Morton Arboretum welcomes visitors with service animals to Illumination. Please note that pets are not permitted at the Arboretum except on special dog admission days.

Craft beer lovers won’t want to miss IllumiBrew. At this event for adults 21 and older on Friday, November 15, enjoy a first look at the newest version of Illumination while sampling local brews along the trail.

Diffraction refers to various phenomena that occur when a wave encounters an obstacle or a slit. It is defined as the bending of light around the corners of an obstacle or aperture into the region of geometrical shadow of the obstacle.

This Illumination-specific discount is an extension of the popular Museums for All program, a partnership between the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM).

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.

The Arboretum has a small number of nonmotorized wheelchairs available on loan free of charge in the Visitor Center on a first-come-first-serve basis. 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. Personal mobility scooters may also be used on the trail.

Diffuse light: Lighting source with uniform energy all over its surface. The lighting tends to be more compensated when it hits the subject surface.

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.

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.

There is something for everyone to enjoy during Illumination! This enchanting event is perfect for celebrating the holiday season, special occasions, family outings, date nights, or wintertime fun with friends.

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

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.

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When a light beam impacts on the surface of an object, if the size of the lighting source is similar to the size of the object, the light beam will go parallel and get slightly curved towards the interior.

Support the Arboretum’s work to create a greener, healthier, more beautiful world where people and trees thrive together.

Guests directed to a secondary lot (Parking Lot 21), near the Thornhill Education Center on the Arboretum’s West Side, can take advantage of 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 21 and the Visitor Center. The bus does not have a wheelchair lift.

Diffused light photography examples

Diffuse light and soft light are not the same. When we talk about soft lighting we are talking about soft shadows. When we mention diffuse light we are talking about the distribution of the light, equally distributed along its surface.

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Arboretum members receive the lowest ticket prices, with a 20% discount on all tickets. Become a member to get the best pricing for Illumination tickets.

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

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Please note that there will be a $1 charge per ticket for any changes made to Illumination tickets, plus any changes in the price of the tickets.

If the Arboretum cancels a night of Illumination (in whole or part), we will accommodate ticket holders according to the cancellation policy.

If the lighting source is bigger than the subject and it's placed near of it, the light beam will get curved a lot generating soft shadows.

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).

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, so buying ahead is always your best option.

Guests may borrow sensory supports such as headphones, sunglasses, fidgets, or a copy of the Illumination social narrative (English, Spanish) when they arrive. Guests can use the social narrative to help prepare for their visit. Any loaned items should be returned to the Information Desk in the Visitor Center before departure.

Parking is available near the 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.

Monday, November 18 Tuesday, November 19 Monday, November 25 Thursday, November 28 (Thanksgiving) Monday, December 2 Monday, December 9 Tuesday, December 10 Monday, December 16 Tuesday, December 17 Tuesday, December 24 (Christmas Eve) Wednesday, December 25 (Christmas Day)

The main difference between hard light and soft light do not eradicate in the light itself but in the shadows. When the shadow is perfectly defined and opaque we talk about hard light. When the shadows are diffuse we called it soft lighting, the shadows will also be less opaque.Is there any specific lighting source that creates hard or soft lighting? The answer is no. Any light can create hard or soft lighting depending on two factors.

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.

Electric Illumination offers a special late-night experience from 8:30 to 10:00 p.m. on three special weekends in November and December, each with a unique theme. Adults 18 and older will enjoy a curated playlist of music synchronized to breathtaking light displays.

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

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

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.

Tuesday, December 3, from 4:30 to 8:00 p.m., will be a sensory evening of Illumination, new for 2024. This quiet walk will feature static lights and music at low volume.

Exciting features and immersive installations in this festive experience will delight all ages along a one-mile path that is fully ADA compliant.

November 17, 20, 21, and 24 December 1, 4, and 5 December 8, 11, and 12 December 18, and 19 December 26 through January 4

Prices are determined based on a number of factors, including attendance patterns, popular holidays and special events, and weather. For busier periods with higher estimated attendance, prices will reflect high demand. For quieter attendance days, prices will be lower.

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.

A temperature-activated, color-changing ceramic mug will be available to purchase for $18 (price includes tax) on all Illumination and Electric Illumination dates. The purchase includes any warm beverage choice (alcoholic or nonalcoholic). The mug will feature a photo of the Treemagination light display, which appears once the mug is warm.

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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.

Arboretum members receive the lowest ticket prices, with a 20% discount on all tickets. Become a member to get the best pricing for Illumination tickets.

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.

What is diffused light for plants

The Morton Arboretum offers a way to make changes to existing ticket reservations for Illumination and Electric Illumination ticket holders. You can use this rebooking tool if you are changing your tickets from one date to another, even if there is a cost difference between the two dates.

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.

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.

Tickets for available dates and times can be purchased online or in person. Up to 10 Museums for All tickets can be purchased. 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.

Diffused light photography

The Arboretum has the expertise and advice to help you beautify your home landscape, improve your community, and advocate for trees.

If a big lighting source is placed very far of the subject, its size will be altered in relation with the subject, and its behavior will be the same as a small lighting source, generating hard shadows. The most common example of this is the sun. It is very far but still generates hard lighting. Only on cloudy days the sun lights gets diffused by the clouds.

Warm up by a crackling fire and roast marshmallows for s’mores, stop in at the concession tent for snacks and beverages along the Illumination trail, or sit down to a delicious meal at the Ginkgo Restaurant in the Visitor Center while you view a laser light finale on Meadow Lake.

New for 2024 is an Illumination sensory evening on Tuesday, December 3, from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m.; last entry is at 8:00 p.m. This modified experience will feature static lights and music at low volume. Tickets are available in a limited capacity for the event on this night to provide a sensory-sensitive environment.

Warm up by a crackling fire and roast marshmallows for s’mores, stop in at the concession tent on Frost Hill for snacks and beverages, or sit down to a delicious meal at the Ginkgo Restaurant to view a laser light finale on Meadow Lake.

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