The Morton Arboretum’s Illumination: Where Winter Glows Brighter Than Ever

Get ready to light up your holidays.

When the chill of November hits Chicagoland, The Morton Arboretum transforms into a glowing wonderland where light, sound, and nature collide in spectacular fashion. Now in its 13th year, Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum has become a must-see holiday tradition—part art installation, part immersive forest experience, and all-out visual magic.

Recently voted among the best light displays in the country, Illumination isn’t just another drive-through spectacle. It’s a journey — a one-mile, fully ADA-accessible trail that winds through 1,700 acres of living trees, where branches pulse with color, light dances across the snow, and music breathes life into the woods.

This year’s edition takes things to the next level. Alongside crowd favorites, guests will encounter four massive, glowing animal sculptures from the Arboretum’s new Vivid Creatures exhibition, reimagined exclusively for this holiday run. Each one feels alive, towering over the path in an otherworldly display of art and energy.

And the Arboretum isn’t stopping there. 2025’s Illumination lineup includes Dog Admission Nights (because even your pup deserves a little winter magic), and the return of Electric Illumination — adults-only evenings set to live DJ performances with rotating musical themes. It’s a vibe somewhere between nature walk and underground rave, nestled beneath a canopy of light.

Flexible ticket rebooking makes it easy to plan around Chicago’s unpredictable weather, and ticket prices start at $17.60 for members and $22 for nonmembers.

Illumination runs Saturday, November 15, 2025, through Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. (last admission at 8:30).

For details and tickets, head to mortonarb.org

— and get ready to see winter in a whole new light.

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