LISLE, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — After being adapted to a driving experience because of the coronavirus pandemic, the ninth annual Illumination: Tree of Lights at The Morton Arboretum will return as a walking experience this year, with five new lighting features, including a special Human+Nature display.
From Nov. 20 through Jan. 2, guests can explore 50 acres of the Arboretum’s majestic trees during an one-of-a-kind spectacle of color, light, and sound. The exhibition takes guests on a journey along a one-mile, paved walking path amid festive music and lighting effects that highlight the beauty of trees in winter.
“This year’s Illumination will include unique new features for those who have made it a holiday tradition year after year, such as the chance to see a Human+Nature sculpture lit at night,” said Preston Bautista, Ph.D., vice president of learning and engagement. “Returning to a walking trail will bring friends and families together again to enjoy a special seasonal lighting experience.”
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This year’s new experiences include:
• A lighting display of Hallow, the iconic sculpture by artist Daniel Popper in the Arboretum’s Human+Nature exhibition.
• Enchanted Gateway, a new entry portal of glowing lights leading to Meadow Lake.
• Festival of Lanterns, where guests walk under 150 colorful lanterns at the top of Frost Hill.
• Golden Glade, a meadow of lights at the top of the Conifer trail.
• Winter Radiance, a new path leading back to the Visitor Center featuring colorful reeds.
Also new this year is an Arbor Court photo opportunity and festive music throughout the entire Illumination trail.
Plus, returning favorites include Treemagination, Symphony Woods, Woodland Wonder, Ornament Hill, The Champion Tree, Enchanted Forest, and Crown of Light.
The Morton Arboretum also announced they will host a special pre-opening event, IllumiBrew, on Nov. 18 and 19, inviting guests 21 and older to be the first to see the 2021 exhibition while enjoying beer tastings along the trail.Illumination tickets go on sale Oct. 1. Members receive early-bird pricing through Oct. 31. Ticket prices range from $7 to $24 per person. Children under age 2 will be admitted free of charge.
Additionally, Illumination sponsor ComEd is offering a 20 percent discount for a limited number of non-member Illumination tickets on select Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays using the code COMEDLIGHTS2021 at checkout. The offer is valid for up to four tickets per transaction and is subject to availability.
Timed tickets may be purchased online beginning Oct. 1 at mortonarb.org, in person at the Arboretum Visitor Center during operating hours, or on-site each night of Illumination, as tickets remain available. The Arboretum recommends purchasing tickets in advance, in the event an evening may be sold out.
Illumination will open each evening at 4:30 p.m., with last entry at 8:30 p.m. Lights go out at 9:30 p.m. The exhibition is closed Nov. 22, 25 (Thanksgiving), and 29, and Dec. 6, 13, 24 (Christmas Eve) and 25 (Christmas Day).