“Illumination: Tree Lights at the Morton Arboretum” opens on November 16, 2024
Hailed as one of the best winter light shows in the country by U.S. News and World Report and USA Today, The Morton Arboretum’s 12th annual celebration of trees in winter, Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum, will run for seven weeks from November 16, 2024 through January 4, 2025. Kicking off the festivities a day early, the popular IllumiBrew Beer Tasting event will take place on November 15, 2024.
“Illumination is a beloved holiday tradition for many who come every year,” said Amy Scott, head of exhibitions. “The beautiful light displays have been the setting for countless marriage proposals and annual family photos that have created lasting memories year after year.”
New this year will be a vibrant display of interactive tree shapes synchronized to different musical instruments in the Arboretum’s Grand Garden, and a sensory-friendly night on December 3, 2024. “The adapted experience will have static lights, lower volume music and a limited guest capacity to provide a welcoming environment for guests who may need a quieter, less stimulating atmosphere,” said Scott.
In addition to Illumination, The Arboretum has also added more dates for its popular Electric Illumination late-night experience. 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 p.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends November 29 & 30, 2024 (2000s Pop Hits), December 6 & 7, 2024 (Country Mashups) and December 13 & 14, 2024 (Diva Anthems). Along the one-mile walking trail, a concession tent will serve hot chocolate, snacks, alcoholic beverages and s’mores kits to be enjoyed at warming bonfires. Guests can also enjoy a hot meal in the Ginkgo Restaurant overlooking the Meadow Lake finale. Available VIP tickets offer an enhanced Electric Illumination experience.
Kicking off the festivities, on November 15, 2024, The Arboretum will hold its popular IllumiBrew Beer Tasting event. Attendees ages 21 and older can get a first-look preview of the Illumination light show, while sampling local beers, ciders, meads and nonalcoholic brews. More than 40 Chicago area breweries stationed along the Illumination trail will offer beer samples served in a light-up tasting glass.
“IllumiBrew has become a favorite for craft beer fans, offering a unique opportunity to sample exclusive and seasonal brews from top local breweries,” said Jenelle Metcalf, head of special events. “With a wide variety of beverages to taste, it’s an experience that beer lovers look forward to every year.”
Tickets for all events are available online at mortonarb.org and in-person at the Arboretum Visitor Center during operating hours. The Arboretum is offering deeply reduced Illumination ticket prices for Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT/LINK) and WIC cardholders through the Museums for All program at $10 for adults and $5 for children.
