Illumination: Tree Lights at the Morton Arboretum Opens Nov. 18!

Today marks the opening day for Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum, the one-of-a-kind holiday event that ushers visitors through a magical wintertime walk in the woods, surrounded by a kaleidoscope of vivid, colored lights and surprising interactive effects. This year’s event includes new features and re-imagined experiences as well as live musical performers, holiday treats and special theme nights for visitors to enjoy.

Taking place through January 2, 2017, 50 acres of the Arboretum’s majestic trees will undergo a transformation as their bare branches shine in hypnotic shades of blue, purple, green and hot pink. As visitors traverse the one-mile path, they will encounter a series of “experiences” woven throughout their journey, encouraging them to see trees in a different light. Visitors can watch a dazzling light show play in time to classic wintertime music, hug a tree and watch as it reacts or follow beams of light as they dance across the night sky.

“Illumination transports visitors into a magical world filled with color and light while also highlighting the value and beauty that trees bring to our world, regardless of the season,” said Sue Wagner, vice president of education and information at The Morton Arboretum. “We encourage everyone to get their tickets early, as some nights may sell out.”

This year’s event features two brand-new experiences to dazzle and wow. Projections of abstract designs will splash across the Arboretum’s hemlock trees in Treemagination. One effect will make it seem as though the trees are gently breathing. This experience not only showcases the conifers’ elegance, but reinforces to visitors that the trees surrounding them are living things.

In Illumination’s new dramatic grand finale, Fantasy Forest, the Arboretum’s hedge garden will provide a backdrop for pencil-thin pillars of light which will extend skyward and appear to chase one another while synchronized to music.

Many fan favorites are back for the upcoming season, with exciting enhancements for an even brighter Illumination experience. •Tinsel Harmony – Sing to strands of lit “tinsel,” then watch the lights respond in three different ways, an enhancement from last year’s experience. See lights change color, grow brighter and alter in intensity. •Ornament Hill – Encounter an expanded and breathtaking vista of hundreds of giant glowing orbs nestled in the grass and surrounded by thousands of LED points of light.

Other popular highlights include Symphony Woods, where lights dance in sync with “The Nutcracker” as recorded by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the 24 ethereal chandeliers that softly illuminate the trees in Crystal Promenade.

On select nights in the Arboretum’s Ginkgo Restaurant, visitors can take in live musical performances from top local bands. Performances will include a wide range of tunes such as feel-good country, Latin jazz, acoustic party rock and R&B.

Carolers dressed in festive Dickensian garb will also roam the Illumination walking path on certain evenings. Visitors can enjoy live music at no additional cost. For a full schedule, visit mortonarb.org/Illumination.

Weeknights are special nights at Illumination. Visitors who don themed apparel can visit our Membership Desk in the Visitor Center to receive a coupon for one free general admission (excluding special events) and be entered into a prize drawing. A winner will be selected for every theme night.

Visitors can enjoy a cozy fire and a break at one of the warming areas along the Illumination path.

Three concession tents scattered throughout the trail will feature snacks and hot beverages, including gourmet hot chocolate. Visitors can choose from several options including the brand-new salted caramel hot chocolate, a drink selected by Arboretum’s fans in its online Illumination Cocoa Contest.

A full dinner menu including sandwiches, salads, and soups, will also be available in the Visitor Center’s Ginkgo Restaurant. On evenings featuring entertainment, visitors can enjoy a bar with alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages.

Illumination tickets range from $18 to $22 for adults and $12 to $14 for children. Discounts apply for Arboretum members.

Taking place through January 2, 2017, Illumination opens each night at 5 p.m. and runs until 9:30 p.m., with the last entry at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are available online, at the Arboretum’s Information Desk, or by calling 630-725-2066 ($5 handling charge for phone orders). Advance reservations are highly encouraged as some nights may sell out.

Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum brings light and nature together for a wintertime walk in the woods like no other. Illumination invites visitors to see trees in a different light on a one-mile walk surrounded by 50 acres of the Arboretum’s trees, brought to life with LED lights, interactive elements and sound. Live entertainment and warming stations add to the wintertime experience. Featured in local and national media including Condé Nast Traveler and USA Today, Illumination has quickly become a winter tradition, welcoming 356,000 visitors from throughout the United States as well as Canada, the United Kingdom and Germany since its 2013 debut season. The event is built in partnership with noted experiential lighting designers Lightswitch, and features energy-efficient, eco-friendly LED lighting.

The Morton Arboretum is an internationally recognized outdoor tree museum and tree research center located in Lisle, Illinois. As the champion of trees, the Arboretum is committed to scientifically- informed action, both locally and globally, and encouraging the planting and conservation of trees for a greener, healthier, more beautiful world. On 1,700 acres are 222,000 plant specimens representing 4,500 different kinds of plants, along with specialty gardens, educational exhibits, the award-winning Children’s Garden, 16 miles of hiking trails and the Visitor Center, featuring The Arboretum Store and the Ginkgo Restaurant and Café. The Morton Arboretum is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization, welcoming more than 1 million visitors and serving 43,700 member households in 2015.