It’s the 12th anniversary of Illumination at The Morton Arboretum this year. We have been going ever since it started, so it’s become part of our holiday lights family tradition that we all enjoy. It’s always magical!
So we’re excited to share with you that not only did The Morton Arboretum invite us to Illumination before it opened so we can give you an inside look, they also gave us 16 tickets for Illumination to give away to Kidlist readers and followers. These special tickets can be used on any night Illumination is open, including when it’s sold out. You don’t even need to make reservations!
Keep reading for a sneak peek of Illumination this year and enter the giveaway at the end.
What is Illumination at The Morton Arboretum?
Illumination features 17 displays, some interactive and others awe inspiring, that are spread out along a walking path at The Morton Arboretum.
The new light display this year is called Celebration Circle in Centennial Plaza in The Grand Garden shortly after you enter the path. Each tree is synced to a different instrument, including an organ, bass, bells, and strings.
Near each light display is a sign with the name of the experience. Here are some of our favorites:
Treemagination is a grove of trees that alternate between breathing with simulated movement and projections that drench the trees with saturated color.
Golden Glade is a great photo opportunity with millions of sparkling lights on both sides of the path and just beautiful.
Interact with trees by hugging them at Hug-a-Tree and they will change colors!
Shadow Play encourages guests to dance and move around as their reflection appears on the screen in a variety of colors.
Woodland Wonder is a magical space with rotating mirror balls reflect light and create a sea of moving points of light.
You’ll end your walk along Meadow Lake as you watch Radiant Reflections with lights and music. They added lasers to the display this year.
When you purchase tickets, you will choose an entry time, but there isn’t a time limit to enjoy Illumination. The walking path is about one mile, on flat land, and is ADA compliant.
When is Illumination?
Illumination is November 16, 2024 through January 4, 2025. It starts each evening at 4:30pm, with the last entry at 8:30pm and lights out at 9:30pm. On December 20-21, 2024 they are open later, with the last entry at 9pm and lights out an hour later. Please note that it’s closed on November 18, 19, 25, and 28 and December 2, 9,10, 16, 17, 24, and 25 this year and last entry is 7:30pm on nights during Electric Illumination (November 29-30, December 6-7, and December 13-14).
Electric Illumination
Electric Illumination is an adults-only experience (18+) on Fridays and Saturdays: November 29-30, December 6-7, and December 13-14. Doors open at 8:30pm, last entry at 9pm and lights out at 10pm. VIP tickets for this event include exclusive indoor space to warm up, specialty cocktails, late-night bites, and “glow games” until 11pm.
Illumination Sensory Evening
New for 2024 is a sensory evening on Tuesday, December 3, from 4:30-9:30pm, with the last entry at 8pm. This modified experience will feature static lights and music at low volume.ย Tickets are limited for the event on this night to provide a sensory-sensitive environment.
Where to Warm Up and Get Food at Illumination
There is a concessions tent at Illumination with treats and warm beverages (alcoholic and nonalcoholic), as well as water. There are nearby fire pits to roast marshmallows from the s’mores kits that you can purchase in the tent.
The Ginkgo Restaurant in the Visitor Center is also open every night, except during Electric Illumination nights, and offers sandwiches, salads, and soups, along with assorted alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages.
Accessibility
The one-mile path is ADA compliant and the Arboretum has a small number of non-motorized wheelchairs available on loan free of charge in the Visitor Center on a first-come-first-serve basis. Please note that because the supply is limited, they recommend bringing your own. There are generally less people on the trails on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings, which makes is easier to navigate.
Those with sensory needs can borrow headphones, sunglasses, fidgets, or a copy of theย Illuminationย social narrative in English or Spanish when they arrive and then return them to the Visitor’s Center before leaving. There is also a Sensory Evening on December 3, 2024.
Tickets and Discounts
As of publishing, tickets for Illumination start at $20.75 per person when you buy them ahead of time, but please note that prices fluctuate based on the day of week and how many tickets are available. Children 3 years old and younger are free. The least expensive option is going to be to purchase tickets ahead of time for an entry time during the week. Members receive 20% off all Illumination tickets, so that is another option.
Through the Arboretumโs participation in the Museums for All program, a limited number of reduced-rate tickets will be available on select dates for guests with a state-issued Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT, P-EBT or LINK) card, or a valid WIC card.
ComEd is sponsoring a limited number of discounted Illumination tickets. Receive a $5 discount on Illumination tickets by using the code 2024COMEDLIGHTS, while supplies last. If the code does not apply the $5 discount during checkout, those tickets are sold out.
Illumination Ticket Giveaway
We have 16 Illumination tickets to give away to Kidlist readers and followers! These are the best tickets because you can use them whenever you want, even if it’s sold out. Just check their website to make sure it’s open when you want to go, and enjoy! No reservation needed.
