Illumination at The Morton Arboretum

The Morton Arboretum’s Illumination is a one-mile, ADA-accessible outdoor walking trail with 22 lighted displays among the trees. The 2026 season opens November 14 and closes January 2, 2027, according to the arboretum’s July announcement. New this year are a 400-foot canopy inspired by the aurora borealis, a moving chrome sphere tunnel, a hillside of glowing orbs and a woodland scene of lit mushrooms. A model train display with nearly 1,000 feet of track is a paid add-on at $7 for members and $9 for nonmembers.

Tickets start at $22 for adult nonmembers and $17.60 for adult members, and dogs are welcome on select nights for $10 per dog. EBT, LINK and WIC cardholders pay $10 for adults and $5 for children through Museums for All. Member tickets went on sale October 1 and public sales open October 15 at 9 a.m. The 21-and-over IllumiBrew nights are $85 for members and $95 for nonmembers, with a $45 to $50 designated driver ticket.

The arboretum, at 4100 Illinois Route 53 in Lisle, credits the Illinois Office of Tourism and ComEd as sponsors.

Plan your visit

The arboretum is at Route 53 just north of I-88; parking is included with the ticket, and the lots are the only practical way in since Metra’s Lisle station on the BNSF line is about two miles south. Weekend nights between Thanksgiving and Christmas sell out early, so book weeknights or the January dates for a quieter walk. Trails are outdoors for about an hour, so dress for the wind; fire pits and warm drinks are set up along the route.