Morton Arboretum’s ‘Illumination’ adds Jan. 2 Dog Admission Night
Last chance to experience Chicago’s beloved outdoor holiday tradition before Jan. 3
Time is running out to experience “Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum,” Chicago’s beloved outdoor holiday tradition, as the 13th annual celebration of trees in winter continues through Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026.
A nationally acclaimed holiday lights display, Illumination has welcomed more than 2 million visitors since its debut. This season’s one-mile, ADA-accessible walking trail features 20 immersive light displays that transform the Arboretum’s winter landscape with color, light and music.
“Each year, Illumination offers a festive and memorable way for people to connect with trees and nature,” said Preston Bautista, the Arboretum’s vice president of learning and engagement. “As we head into the final weeks, it’s a wonderful opportunity for families and friends to experience the beauty of trees in winter together.”
Added by popular demand after selling out, a new Dog Admission Night invites guests to bring their canine companions along the lighted trail on Friday, Jan. 2.
Dog Admission Night requires an Illumination ticket for human admission and a separate $10 ticket for dog admission to the event.
Also new this season, four larger-than-life Vivid Creatures animal sculptures by artists Heather BeGaetz and Fez BeGaetz are woven throughout the trail, adding playful, colorful moments among the illuminated trees.
Guests can enjoy warming bonfires, snacks, hot chocolate and beverages, including a new featured drink — a s’mores hot chocolate served in a limited-edition Morton Arboretum mug, available exclusively at the concession tent. The Ginkgo Restaurant offers a seasonal menu overlooking Meadow Lake’s sparkling finale.
Guests seeking a cozy private experience can reserve one of the Arboretum’s new IllumiDomes, warm and enclosed 13-foot clear domes located in Arbor Court. Each 90-minute rental includes s’mores kits, warm non-alcoholic beverages and festive treats for up to 10 guests, with an optional alcoholic beverage package available.
Holiday schedule note: Illumination will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The exhibition will be open nightly from Friday, Dec. 26, through Saturday, Jan. 3, from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m., with last admission at 8:30 p.m., including New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
Tickets are available online at mortonarb.org/illumination. Prices vary by date and time selected. Arboretum members receive the lowest ticket prices all season with a 20% discount. Children ages 3 and under are admitted free of charge.
In addition, the Arboretum offers deeply reduced Illumination ticket prices on select nights for Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT/LINK) and WIC cardholders through the “Museums for All” program at $10 for adults and $5 for children.
Visitors can also take advantage of flexible ticket rebooking this season, allowing them to adjust their reservation up to the event start time if plans or weather change. Prices may differ between dates.
The exhibition was custom-designed for the Arboretum in partnership with international media and exhibit designers Lightswitch and features energy-efficient, eco-friendly LED lighting.
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum is generously sponsored by Invesco QQQ, ComEd, Duly Health and Care and Morton Salt.
The Morton Arboretum is an internationally recognized tree-focused botanical garden and research center near Chicago in Lisle, Illinois. Its 1,700 acres include specialty tree and plant collections, nine miles of roads and 16 miles of hiking trails, a central Grand Garden, Children’s Garden, educational programs and a Visitor Center. Information about exhibitions, events and admission is available at mortonarb.org.