Illumination, the outdoor holiday lights exhibition at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, will return for its 14th season from November 14, 2026, through January 2, 2027, featuring new large-scale installations and expanded experiences for visitors of all ages.
This year’s event will introduce four new installations, including a 400-foot-long canopy inspired by the aurora borealis, an immersive tunnel of moving chrome spheres and light, a hillside landscape of glowing orbs inspired by sand gardens, and an enchanted landscape with illuminated mushrooms and firefly-like orbs. The exhibition’s walking trail will feature 22 displays designed exclusively for the Arboretum. According to Amy Scott, the Arboretum’s head of exhibitions, “You won’t want to miss this year’s Illumination. From a model train fantasyland and breathtaking new large-scale installations inspired by natural phenomena to enhanced returning favorites guests have loved for years, this season’s exhibition invites visitors to slow down, explore and experience the wonder of trees and nature in an exciting new way. Whether it’s a first visit or a longtime family tradition, guests will discover something surprising, captivating and unforgettable around every corner.”
A new family-friendly model train experience will debut inside the Firefly Pavilion, featuring nearly 1,000 feet of track winding through a fantasy woodland scene. The model train display will be available as an add-on for both daytime and evening visitors, with separate tickets required. Returning favorites such as Treemagination, Golden Glade, and Symphony Woods will also feature enhancements, and interactive experiences like Celebration Circle and Hug-a-Tree will return. Four illuminated Vivid Creatures sculptures by artists Heather BeGaetz and Fez BeGaetz will accompany guests along the trail.
Special event nights will include IllumiBrew, a 21-and-over beer-tasting event on November 13, and Dog Admission Nights on December 2, 9, and 16, allowing guests to bring their dogs for an additional fee. Sensory Night will return on November 17, offering a modified experience with static lights and lower-volume music for sensory-sensitive guests. Private IllumiDome rentals will be available for groups, offering lounge-style or dining experiences with seasonal treats and beverages.
Tickets for Illumination and IllumiBrew go on sale to Arboretum members on October 1, and to the general public on October 15. Ticket prices start at $17.60 for adult members and $22 for adult nonmembers, with discounts available for early purchases and through the Museums for All program for Electronic Benefits Transfer and WIC cardholders. More information and ticket sales are available at mortonarb.org/illumination.
Illumination has welcomed more than 2 million visitors since its debut in 2013 and is custom-designed for the Arboretum in partnership with international media and exhibit designers Lightswitch. The event uses energy-efficient LED lighting and is supported by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Office of Tourism and ComEd. The Morton Arboretum is a 1,700-acre botanical garden and research center near Chicago, featuring specialty plant collections, hiking trails, and educational programs.
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