Now in its 13th year, Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle runs Nov. 15, 2025, through Jan. 3, 2026, offering families a mile-long trail of lights, sound and forest features created to provide a calm winter night outdoors.
The event focuses on giving families space to explore together outdoors, offering a mix of interactive moments, quiet stretches and striking views of trees transformed by light.
What families can expect at Illumination this season
Along the route, families will find about 50 acres of displays that blend color, sound and nature. The paved trail is fully accessible for strollers, wheelchairs and mobility devices, and families can explore at their own pace. Four large animal sculptures from the Arboretum’s “Vivid Creatures” exhibition are also included.
Illumination dates, hours and nightly closures parents should know
Illumination is open nightly 4:30 to 9:30 p.m., with last admission at 8:30 p.m. The event will be closed Monday, Dec. 8; Monday, Dec. 15; Wednesday, Dec. 24; and Thursday, Dec. 25, according to the Arboretum’s official schedule.
Special themed nights, including dog nights and Electric Illumination
Dog Admission Nights are set for three Wednesdays—Dec. 3, 10 and 17—from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m., with separate dog tickets required.
For guests ages 18 and older, “Electric Illumination” adds a DJ and a more energetic atmosphere along the trail on Fridays, Dec. 5, 12 and 19.
Ticket prices, discount programs and how plan ahead pricing works
Tickets are sold online for members and nonmembers. Children age 3 and younger are admitted at no cost. Ticket prices vary by date and time through plan-ahead pricing, which means prices can rise as dates fill. Buying earlier usually offers the lowest price.
AnyDay tickets offer flexibility for families. One ticket can be used once by an adult or child age 4 or older on any Illumination or Electric Illumination date at any entry time. AnyDay tickets cost $60, or $48 for members, and do not apply to IllumiBrew.
Members receive a 20% discount on all Illumination tickets.
Through Museums for All, guests with an EBT, LINK or WIC card can purchase reduced-rate tickets on select nights, including Dec. 3, 4, 7, 10, 14, 17, 18 and 29; and Jan. 3. Up to 10 discounted tickets can be purchased, and guests must show their card at the entrance. These details come directly from the Arboretum’s Museums for All information.
If plans change, families can rebook their tickets online for another available date and pay any difference in price. The ticket line is available daily 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., except holidays.
Accessibility details for wheelchairs, sensory needs and stroller users
The Illumination trail is a paved, ADA-compliant path. The Arboretum has a small number of nonmotorized wheelchairs available to borrow with a photo ID, but guests who rely on a wheelchair are encouraged to bring their own due to limited supply. Personal mobility scooters are allowed.
Staff work to clear the trail of snow and ice. Crowds are generally lighter on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
The trail includes moving and flashing lights, but no strobe lights. Laser features follow safety standards and are directed away from guests. Sensory supports such as headphones, sunglasses, fidget items and a social story in English and Spanish can be borrowed at the Visitor Center and should be returned before departure. These accessibility notes come from the Arboretum’s accessibility guide.
Trained service animals are welcome. Pets, emotional support animals and therapy animals are only permitted on Dog Admission Nights.
Guests with a disability placard can request accessible parking near the Illumination entrance. Other guests are directed to available lots. A shuttle runs between parking lot P 21 near the Thornhill Education Center and the Visitor Center, though the shuttle does not have a wheelchair lift. Families with mobility concerns may drop off passengers near the Visitor Center before parking.
Food and drink options along the trail and inside the Visitor Center
A heated concession tent along the trail is open 4:30 to 9 p.m. and serves snacks, hot chocolate, hot cider, s’mores kits, alcoholic drinks and water. A special s’mores hot chocolate is available in a limited-edition Morton Arboretum mug.
Inside the Visitor Center, the Ginkgo Restaurant offers sandwiches, salads, burgers and drinks until 8 p.m. Ticket holders can enter starting at the time listed on their Illumination ticket. These offerings are listed in the Arboretum’s food and drink section.
