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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Unique Lighting

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).

Architectural FX offer a range of versatile linear solutions both interior and exterior. These include versatile and broad ranges such as Integrate, Neon and Platin.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In our opinion, an important part of the project success is that we don’t supply ‘Kits’ of parts of linear products to be assembled on site. We only supply fully finished and 24hr tested fixtures. These are precisely identified and labelled for the project. This reduces risk and saves time on assembly, integration and install for the whole project supply chain. Tweaks, more tweaks and a lot of hard work.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

We serve the UK lighting specification market, supporting national and international projects. By providing premium solutions that are in our carefully curated portfolio, we give you the power to transform lighting projects across the world. We are the UK partner for vektron and Caruso acoustic brands, as well as a new range of linear LED solutions called APL. We provide a bridge between these ‘Best in Class’ European manufacturers and our clients – spanning UK architects, lighting designers and specifiers. To support both manufacturers and our clients, Architectural FX offer unrivalled knowledge, enviable market awareness and robust technical expertise. These skills ensure that we’re perfectly placed to build those all-important, successful partnerships.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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

Innovation, quality and Made in Italy are the elements that form Caruso Acoustic’s identity. The company manufacture an impressive range of integrated acoustic panels and lighting.   Caruso Acoustics’ sound-absorbing panels offer a wide range of customisation options: from the wide range of colours for the upholstery fabric, to customised prints.

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.

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.

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

vektron, a division of kreon, is a leader in the architectural and design industry, specializing in advanced ceiling solutions. vektron is renowned for its innovative approach to ceiling systems that integrate seamlessly with various building services to enhance both functionality and aesthetics of any space.

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!

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.

At Architectural FX we chose to work collaboratively with our customers. For us it’s the norm to draw from our 20 plus years of technical know how and experience with designers to come up with answers to lighting problems. We use the term an ‘accessorize’ mentality. We will design, engineer and manufacture accessories and components which make the products work in situ. And we’ll deliver the solution with speed and accuracy.

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.

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).

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!

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

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.

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)

FxLuminaire

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

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

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.

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.

If this does not answer your questions or you’re unable to find what you need, please get in contact with us and someone from our team will assist.

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.

Our brands cover the lighting demands of many applications and tasks. From all types of linear lighting to ambient office lighting with funky acoustics and refined decorative lighting options. Along with our custom solutions we should be able to answer most of your demands. Have a browse of the brands below.

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.

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

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.

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.

There is a new brand, new logo and new website. To help you with navigating this, we have created a ‘How To’ video explaining the Product Page, Configurator, Technical Data and Contact us.

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 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.

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.

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.

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

Vista Professional Outdoor Lighting

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.

APL have created a versatile system like a “LEGO toolbox”.  With a miniaturised profile of just 16.4mm diameter and 13 high quality precision optics in the same form factor and socket system, LTwo® is simple and easy to install. Lumami is the desk mounted version and both ranges are manufactured in Europe.

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.