Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum
Guests walk along an outdoor paved path through creative light, color, and sound displays set among towering trees. Highlights include an aurora borealis-inspired canopy stretching over 400 feet, an immersive tunnel of moving chrome spheres and light, and illuminated woodland animal sculptures. Along the route, visitors can stop at fire pits to roast marshmallows, purchase signature hot cocoa, or enjoy sit-down dining at the Ginkgo Restaurant.
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Plan Your Visit
Website / Tickets
When
Tickets
Illumination ticket prices vary by date and time Pine Whistle Railroad is a separate-ticket add-on: $9 per ticket for the public and $7 per ticket for Arboretum members; infants aged 3 and younger are admitted free. Premium Parking is an optional add-on for $18 per vehicle on most weekends and holidays, while spaces last. an optional alcoholic beverage package is $6 per guest, and an optional four-course Dining Dome package is $60 per guest. Limited reduced-rate Museums for All tickets are available on select dates for eligible guests.
Hours
The exhibition opens each evening at 4:30 p.m. Ticketholders can enter the Visitor Center, trail, store, and restaurant only at the entry time listed on their ticket. The concession tent is open 4:30–9:00 p.m.; the Ginkgo Restaurant is open until 8:00 p.m. on Illumination dates.
Ages
All ages
Food & Drink
Visitors can roast marshmallows at fire pits, buy the Ultimate Blizzard Hot Cocoa at the trail concession tent, or enjoy sit-down dining at the Ginkgo Restaurant.
Parking
Parking is first come, first served and directed by attendants, except accessible parking is available near the entrance for vehicles with a disability placard. Guests sent to lot P-21 can take the shuttle to the Visitor Center; it has no wheelchair lift and is the only Illumination shuttle. Passengers with mobility concerns may be dropped off by the Visitor Center before parking. Premium Parking is an advance-purchase add-on in the Administration Parking Lot, close to the entrance, for $18 per vehicle on most weekends and holidays while spaces last.
Accessibility
The one-mile paved trail is ADA-compliant and fully walkable and rollable for wheelchairs, mobility devices, and strollers.
Pets
Pets, emotional support animals, and therapy animals are not permitted except on Dog Admission Nights: December 2, 9, 16, and January 1. Dogs must be leashed and comfortable with crowds, and are not allowed inside the Visitor Center. Trained service animals are welcome.
Going?
Location
Tips & Advice
- Buy tickets in advance because plan-ahead pricing offers the lowest available rate, and prices may rise rather than decrease.
- Use the entry time printed on your ticket; arriving earlier does not allow access to the trail or indoor areas before that time.
- Bring a wheelchair if needed, since the Arboretum’s loan wheelchairs are limited and available first come, first served.
- If your party has mobility concerns and no disability placard, ask attendants about dropping passengers at the Visitor Center before parking.
- Borrow sensory supports at the Visitor Center if useful, and return any loaned items to the Information Desk before leaving.
Special Events & Promotions
- Arboretum members receive the lowest Illumination ticket prices.
- Reduced-rate Museums for All tickets are available on select dates for guests with a qualifying EBT, P-EBT, LINK, or WIC card.
- Buying Illumination tickets in advance offers plan-ahead savings.
- Infants aged 3 and younger enter Pine Whistle Railroad free.
- IllumiBrew is an adults-only event for guests aged 21 and older on November 13.
Links & Contact
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a set entry time for the trail?
Yes. Your ticket has an entry time. You may arrive at the Arboretum earlier, but cannot access the trail, Visitor Center, store, or restaurant before the time on your ticket.
What can I do along the trail, and are there add-on experiences?
The trail features light installations, and visitors can stop for s’mores or drinks. The Pine Whistle Railroad is a separate-ticket model train experience.
What food and drink options are available?
A trailside concession tent offers snacks, hot and alcoholic drinks, and s’mores kits. The Ginkgo Restaurant serves dinner and alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks.
Can I bring a dog or other pet?
Dogs are allowed only on designated Dog Admission Nights, with a separate dog ticket. Dogs must be leashed and comfortable with crowds, and cannot enter the Visitor Center. Trained service animals are welcome.
Is the trail accessible for wheelchairs and mobility devices?
The one-mile trail is paved and ADA-compliant for wheelchairs, mobility devices, and strollers. Personal mobility scooters are allowed; a limited number of wheelchairs are available to borrow at the Visitor Center.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.