The Morton Arboretum Illumination 2024-2025 in Chicago

Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum includes fifty acres of woods, more than 1,000 trees, and lots of cutting-edge technology. Visitors get surrounded by color and light while walking a one-mile paved path in the eastern part of the park, experiencing interactive lighting effects and marveling at the beauty of winter-time trees. Along the way, visitors encounter 14 stops. The experience includes holiday music, interactive light designs, animation, color projections, and cozy spots to warm up with a cup of hot chocolate.

Activities

The Morton Arboretum Illumination features unique art by HYBYCOZO, including fantastic treelike sculptures that spread intricate lights. The Crown of Light is a stunning installation combining light and sculpture, while Woodland Wonder immerses visitors in thousands of pinpoint laser lights paired with ethereal sounds. Interactive technology allows trees to respond to hugs, and visitors can experience a shower of light in a tree grove. Lights and colors are synchronized to symphonic music. The Arboretum also offers visits with Santa on select days, live music, and wine and beer tastings.

Open Hours

Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum is open daily from 4:30 to 9:30 pm.

IllumiBrew (November 15, 2024)

Craft beer lovers won’t want to miss IllumiBrew. At this event for adults 21 and older on Friday, November 15, enjoy a first look at the newest version of Illumination while sampling local brews along the trail.

Electric Illumination (November 29-30; December 6-7; December 13-14, 2024)

Electric Illumination offers a special late-night experience from 8:30 to 10 pm on three special weekends in November and December, each with a unique theme. Adults 18 and older will enjoy a curated playlist of music synchronized to breathtaking light displays.

Tickets

Tickets for the Morton Arboretum Illumination are priced as follows: a one-day ticket is available starting at $17 for adults and $14 for children aged 4 to 17. An AnyDay Ticket is priced at $60. Infants aged three and younger can enter for free.