Tree Lights at Morton Arboretum is Back for its 12th Year with New Sensory Evening and More

It’s that time of year again! Tickets for the holiday favorite 12th annual Illumination: Tree Lights at the Morton Arboretum, Electric Illumination and IllumiBrew go on sale to Arboretum members October 1 and to the general public October 15.

The 2024-25 Illumination season will run November 16 through January 4, 2025, featuring 17 displays. Amy Scott, head of exhibitions at the Arboretum, announced that there will be a new Illumination sensory evening on Tuesday, December 3 from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. “We want as many people as possible to be able to experience Illumination,” she said. “This modified experience will feature static lights, music at lower volume and have a limited guest capacity to provide a sensory-sensitive environment for those who need it.”

Returning guests will enjoy a new display, Celebration Circle—a vibrant experience in the Arboretum’s Grand Garden, where a central abstract tree shape will be surrounded by four interactive tree installations, each synchronized to different musical instruments.

The Arboretum has also added more dates for its popular Electric Illumination late-night experience, after it sold out in previous years. Each weekend will have a different theme, with curated playlists provided live by The DJ Firm. “It’s like a moving dance party,” Scott said. The 18-and-over adults-only event is from 8:30 to 10 p.m. on weekends November 29 and 30 (2000’s Pop Hits), December 6 and 7 (Country Mashups) and December 13 and 14 (Diva Anthems). VIP tickets offer an enhanced Electric Illumination experience from 8:30 to 11 p.m., with access to an exclusive indoor space to warm up, specialty cocktails, late-night bites, “glow games” and other special offerings. 

Also returning this year is the adults-only, ages 21 and older IllumiBrew preview event 5:30 to 10 p.m., November 15. IllumiBrew offers a first look at the newest version of Illumination while sampling local beers, ciders, meads and nonalcoholic brews along the trail. 

Along the ADA accessible, one-mile walking trail, a concession tent will serve hot chocolate, snacks, alcoholic beverages and s’mores kits to be enjoyed at warming bonfires. A special temperature-activated color-changing ceramic mug will be available for purchase during all Illumination and Electric Illumination dates. Guests also can enjoy a hot meal in the Ginkgo Restaurant overlooking the Meadow Lake finale. 

The exhibition was custom designed and developed uniquely for the Arboretum in partnership with international media and exhibit designers Lightswitch LLC and features energy-efficient, eco-friendly LED lighting.Tickets and ticket information are available online at mortonarb.org. Tickets may also be purchased in person at the Arboretum Visitor Center during operating hours. Illumination is sponsored by Invesco QQQ and ComEd.