CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The Morton Arboretum announced Illumination: Tree Lights will return for the eighth year - but this year things will be a little different.
Illumination: Tree Lights has been reimagined as a driving experience this year, featuring new displays, a customized music soundtrack and returning favorites.
This year, guests will remain in their cars and tune to a synced musical soundtrack via radio while driving nearly two-miles among the Arboretum’s majestic trees. In prior years, the exhibition was along a one-mile walking path.
Related
“The safety of Illumination guests during this pandemic was the top priority in our decision to transform it into a driving experience this year,” said Alicia LaVire, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, in a statement. “It also gave us an opportunity to create an innovative new twist on this tree-focused exhibition that can’t be seen anywhere else.”
Embracing the Arboretum’s mission and identity as "The Champion of Trees", the reimagined exhibition will take guests on a journey that begins with passage through a new tunnel of lights. The winding road will pass by annual Illumination favorites such as Symphony Woods, Woodland Wonder and Crystal Promenade, as well as five new visual exhibits enhanced by beautiful woodland lighting among the trees.
Also new this year, the exhibition will stay open later, until 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursdays, and 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and will also be open on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas, in addition to New Years Eve and New Years Day as in previous years.
Tickets to Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum went on sale for members-only Early Bird pricing Oct. 1–7, and to the general public beginning Oct. 8. Ticket prices range from $29 to $49 per vehicle. Timed tickets must be purchased online at mortonarb.org/illumination or in person at the Arboretum Visitor Center in advance of arrival at Illumination. Tickets will not be sold on-site during the event.
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum runs Nov. 20 through Jan. 3.