When:
November 23, 2019, through January 5, 2020
First Entry: 4:30 p.m.
Last Entry: 8:30 p.m. Exhibition Closes: 9:30 p.m.
Where:
The Morton Arboretum
4100 ILLINOIS ROUTE 53
LISLE, IL 60532
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum will return for a seventh year this November to The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois.
From November 23, 2019, through January 5, 2020, 50 acres of the Arboretum’s trees will be transformed with lights and music. Embracing the Arboretum’s tree-focused mission as the champion of trees, this exhibition will take visitors on a journey along a winding, paved path through light-filled experiences that highlight the many ways trees are a gift to people and communities.
In addition to family favorite features such as Treemagination and Symphony Woods, this year’s exhibition will offer several new experiences such as Tree Fascination, a digital projection of color and pattern on a grove of eastern white and scots pine trees. This year’s event will also debut a new route with a more spacious pathway.
New features in 2019:
- Inspired by elements of the popular feature Treemagination, 2019 marks the debut of Tree Fascination. A mixture of art and science, this experience uses video projection to showcase the beauty and form of trees using color and pattern.
- To maximize the experience, a new route and expanded pathway and promenade will allow visitors to enjoy the displays at their own pace. Illuminated words such as “Champion,” “Tree” and “Breathe” will guide visitors along the enhanced trail that is just over one mile in length.
- Hug-a-Tree, where visitors can hug a tree and watch it respond with pulsating light; Tree Harmony, where individuals or groups can watch the lights glow and move to the sound of their singing; and Ornament Hill, where visitors can control the color of giant orbx are featured interactive exhibits.
Entertainment and Special Events
- Santa Visits, Tuesdays, December 3, 10 and 17
Every Tuesday between Thanksgiving and Christmas will offer an opportunity for children to visit with Santa. - Troll Hunt, daily
Throughout Illumination, visitors will have the opportunity to see a lit-up “Alexa” and “Joe,” two of the giant wooden sculptures from the Troll Hunt exhibition.
Concession tents and fire pits along the Illumination trail will feature snacks and beverages including hot chocolate. Visitors can also enjoy a full dinner menu every night of Illumination at the Ginkgo Restaurant and Ginkgo Café. Additionally, visitors can take a break to enjoy a fire at warming areas along the Illumination path.
Tickets:
Ticket prices range from $13 to $23 for adults and $7 to $15 for children, with special early bird pricing available for members between October 1-31. To purchase tickets, visit the Morton Arboretum website.
IllumiBrew- preview
Prior to the public opening, Illumination will kick off on Friday, November 22 with IllumiBrew, a ticketed, pre-opening event that allows guests 21 and older to be among the first to see the 2019 exhibition while enjoying beer tastings along the trail.
When:
Friday, November 22
5:30 pm to 10:00 pm
Tickets:
$55 adult members; $60 adult non-members
Photos courtesy of Morton Arboretum
