Step Into a Winter Wonderland of Light at The Morton Arboretum

Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum will return for its 13th year from November 15 through January 3, 2026, transforming the Lisle grounds into a one-of-a-kind holiday spectacle. The outdoor, interactive experience will feature 19 dazzling light displays along a one-mile Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible trail, including larger-than-life Vivid Creatures sculptures by artists Heather BeGaetz and Fez BeGaetz.

Festivities kick off with Illumibrew, a preview and beer-tasting event for 21 and older attendees on November 14. New offerings this year include Electric Illumination, an adults-only experience with a live DJ on December 5, 12 and 19, and Dog Admission Nights on December 3, 10 and 17. Since its debut, Illumination has welcomed more than 2 million visitors of all ages.

Tickets go on sale at 9 a.m. October 1 for Morton Arboretum members and at 9 a.m. October 15 for the public. ComEd, one of the event’s sponsors, will provide a limited number of $5 discounts on nonmember tickets with code 2025COMEDLIGHTS while they last. New this year, free ticket exchanges are available up until the original reservation time.

Location: 4100 Illinois Rte. 53, Lisle. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit MortonArb.org.