'Illumination: Tree Lights' Returning At The Morton Arboretum

LISLE, IL — It's almost the time of year when streets, yards and venues are filled with bright festive lights, as The Morton Arboretum will soon kick off the holiday season with Illumination: Tree Lights on Saturday, Nov. 17. Through Tuesday, Jan. 1. arboretum guests will be surrounded by colorful lights and interactive glowing effects that highlight the trees throughout the arboretum's one-mile paved path, according to the website.

If you're 21 or older, don't miss the IllumiBrew preview and beer tasting event Friday, Nov. 16, the day before Illumination begins

There will be seasonal music while you experience the interactive lighting designs, a warm crackling fire with where you can enjoy drinks and roast marshmallows for s’mores.

New this year? "Fresh twists" on favorite experiences and new, surprising sights, including art from HYBYCOZO, which the arboretum describes as "amazing treelike sculptures that spread intricate designs of light." Don't forget to hug a tree to see how it responds, and many more exciting event features, including live entertainment in the Ginkgo Room during the week.

Event hours:

• Admission ends at 8:30 p.m. as lights out is at 9:30 p.m.
• Illumination is closed on Mondays, except for December 31. It is also closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.

Tickets: Available for specific times, beginning at 4:30 p.m.

• AnyDay tickets: $30 per each adult or child (2 to 17 years old)
• Member Tickets: Weekend (Friday through Sunday) are $18 per adult, $10 per child (2 to 17 years old); Weekday (Tuesday through Thursday and Dec. 31) are $13 per adult, $7 per child (2 to 17 years old), children under two are free.
• Nonmember Tickets: Weekend (Friday through Sunday) $23 per adult, $15 per child (2 to 17 years old); Weekday (Tuesday through Thursday and Dec. 31) $18 per adult, $12 per child (2 to 17 years old), children under two are free.

Illumination: Tree Lights daily features/schedule:

Tuesday, Nov. 27, Dec. 4, 11, 18: Bring your own camera to capture memories during a visit with Santa in the Ginkgo Room from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 21, 28, Dec. 5, 12, 19: Live music in the Ginkgo Room from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

• Breezeway Chicago (Nov. 21)
• R-Gang (Nov. 28)
• Guitarra Azul (Dec. 5)
• Semple Unplugged (Dec. 12)
• The StingRays (Dec. 19).

Thursday, Nov. 29, Dec. 6, 20, 25 (Christmas), 27, Jan. 1 (New Year's): Enjoy beer, wine, and spirits tastings and live music in the Ginkgo Room from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

• Jim Perona and Alter Brewing Company (Nov. 29)
• AD3 Trio and Lake Effect Brewing (Dec. 6)
• The Jason Thompson Trio and Whiskey Acres Distillery (Dec. 20)
• Tank & The Beez (Dec. 27)
• Frank & Dave (Dec. 25, Jan. 1)
• The Gingko room will be closed for a private event on Dec. 13.

Nov. 18, 25, 30, Dec. 2, 7, 9, 30, 31: Watch Pyrotechniq - LED Glow Dancers as you walk the trail.

Dec. 15, 16, 21, 22, 23: Listen to Frozen Robbins carolers from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

More details and updates: mortonarb.org

Image via The Morton Arboretum