Sixth annual Illumination returns to Lisle's Morton Arboretum with new features
Trees have tales to tell.
And this year, the majestic beauties again are telling them accompanied by light, music and theatrical special effects at the Morton Arboretum's sixth annual “Illumination.”
Beginning Saturday, Nov. 17, and continuing through Jan. 1, 2019, visitors will see and hear trees teamed with visual and aural artworks to express themes and emotions in a spectacular outdoor show.
The leafy giants' raw beauty will be highlighted in ways that draw attention to the gifts that trees bestow on us, said Sue Wagner, the arboretum's vice president of education and information.
“It's about the benefits of trees - a healthy environment, clean air and water, and beauty in the landscape,” Wagner said.
The arboretum updates the display each year, adding fresh attractions and tweaking past favorites.
“We don't do anything exactly the same,” she said.
As in the past, John Featherstone and his lighting design firm, Lightswitch, is behind the dazzling display.
New this year is “Woodland Wonder,” a display using pinpoint laser light effects on woodland trees surrounding Meadow Lake. As visitors approach, they will hear sounds that Wagner said are not exactly music.
“It's musical, but it's ethereal,” she said.
Five steel sculptures, each between 9 and 12 feet tall, are used in the new “Crown of Light” art installation created by Hybycozo, an art collective that has been featured at the Smithsonian.
“They created these pieces for us exclusively,” Wagner said.
She said the exhibit uses tree leaf silhouettes and evokes a crown of trees.
As visitors continue down the milelong path, they'll also find “Symphony Woods,” a favorite from years past.
Wagner said four versions of “Dance of The Sugar Plum Fairy,” as performed by artists from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Pentatonix a cappella group, pop violinist Lindsey Stirling and a movie version of the classic Nutcracker piece, will be interpreted.
“The focus is on the trees expressing the music,” said Wagner. “It's like watching a show. You can stand there watching the four different covers.”
In the “Tree-magination” area, projections will be cast across a grove of conifer hemlock trees.
“They make a perfect backdrop. They are like a living screen,” Wagner said.
The attraction, dubbed “Meadow Lake Magic,” has been re-imagined to include tendrils of light reaching across and meeting in the middle of the lake.
Visitors also will encounter sensory experiences such as what it might feel like if a tree hugs you back. Wagner said one in three visitors usually elects to embrace a hickory.
The walk concludes with “Fantasy Forest.”
“In this grove of trees, there's upbeat music and light beams sweeping the sky,” Wagner said. “It's a crowd pleaser.”
The event also will feature live entertainment in the Ginkgo Restaurant and visits from Santa.
“Illumination: Tree Lights at the Morton Arboretum” will be preceded this year by a new preview event called “Illumibrew.”
Open to ticketholders 21 and older, this single evening event scheduled for Friday, Nov. 16, adds a beer-tasting to the mix.
“There's going to be a number of craft breweries along the Illumination route. It's a combined experience,” Wagner said.
Last year's Illumination attracted roughly 160,000 visitors. Because of its popularity, tickets are timed to allow entry every 30 minutes. Once admitted, visitors may stay until the event closes.
“We strongly encourage everyone to purchase tickets online in advance,” Wagner said. “We don't want anyone to be disappointed.”
Tickets are $7 to $23, depending on date, age and membership status.
Wagner said visitors should dress for the weather because the entire event is outdoors.
“Resist the urge to rush. Slow down and be mindful,” she said. “Make a night of it.”
Illumination: Tree Lights at the Morton Arboretum
When: 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17, through Jan. 1, 2019
Where: Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle
Tickets: $18 to $23 for adult nonmembers, $12 to $15 for children nonmembers ages 2-17; $13 to $18 for adult members; $7 to $10 for children members ages 2-17; free for children younger than 2
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