Oh, snap! It’s 100 years at the Morton Arboretum and the 10th year of Illumination.

Through Jan. 7, 2023, guests will explore 18 different features along a tree-lined one-mile walking trail immersed in color, light and sound created exclusively for The Morton Arboretum. Within this array, six new exhibits will join returning favorites such as Treemagination and Hug-a-Tree, including a spectacular finale in the Arboretum’s new Grand Garden.

TICKETS: mortonarb.org and in-person at the Arboretum Visitor Center during operating hours.

The annual light exhibition highlights the beauty and form of trees in winter. Warm concession tents offer beverages and snacks such as s’mores kits to enjoy by crackling bonfires along the route.

In addition to the new Grand Garden spectacular, a traditional favorite, Meadow Lake Magic, will be completely reimagined to include 15-foot-high mirrored towers floating in the water with light beams shooting from atop each into the sky. Among the interactive features will be Shadow Play, a new touch-free wall where guests can express themselves while casting colorful shadows. Two of artist Daniel Popper’s Human+Nature exhibition sculptures will be featured in this year’s exhibition.

Also new this year is the addition of Electric Illumination, an 18 and older late night event, 9:30-11 p.m., Dec. 16, 23 and 30, featuring an eclectic, DJ-curated mix of Trance and Progressive House music synchronized to the breathtaking light displays.

“We’re taking Illumination to a new level this year in celebration of the Arboretum’s centennial and the tenth anniversary of the exhibition,” said Preston Bautista, Ph.D., vice president of learning and engagement. “The addition of Electric Illumination provides a new and distinct late-night experience with an entirely different soundtrack,” he explained. “This will also be the first year that the finale will be approached through a sparkling tunnel of light along the Arboretum’s new Grand Garden.”

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