Chicago holidays: Morton Arboretum winter light show returns for the 10th season

An immersive experience, Illumination: Tree Lights, is headed to The Morton Arboretum in Lisle this November 19 through January 7.

The Morton Arboretum in Lisle

(CHICAGO) November 2013 marked the first year The Morton Arboretum kicked off its unique holiday light show.

Because the Arboretum is a living museum for trees, the emphasis for Illumination: Tree Lights has always been on the trees and an appreciation of nature, and less on a traditional holiday light show.

Through the years, the exhibit has evolved and expanded. And now, in the tenth year, the Arboretum promises to have the "boldest and brightest winter lights show ever."

Hug-a-treeThe Morton Arboretum in Lisle

What's new for this year?

If you've seen Illumination in previous years, there will be new wonders to view this season. And if you have never walked through the exhibit before, it really is a must-see holiday event in the Chicago area.

Some of the new exhibits include:

• A color-filled tunnel leading to the Grand Garden with lasers, lights, and different shapes.
• New interactive features along the Meadow Lake trail.
• Treemagination, the popular exhibit where the trees appear to breathe will be "more intricate and inspiring this year."
• Electric Illumination is a late-night event for adults 18 and over. It pairs trance and progressive house music with the light displays. It's on a limited run from 9:30 to 11 PM on December 16, 23, and 30.

TreemaginationThe Morton Arboretum in Lisle

Energy efficient

You may be surprised to hear the extravagant light display is energy efficient. Almost all (98%) of the lights are LEDs.

The exhibition’s designer, John Featherstone of Lightswitch Inc., explained how designers have managed to use more lights, but consume less energy. “We’re always trying to reduce our impact,” he said. “At the same time, the advance of technology allows us to do things we couldn’t have imagined 10 years ago.”

Dress for the weather

Dress for the weather and be prepared to walk. The show is along a one-mile paved path. You can always take a break and warm up in concession tents where you can buy snacks, toasty beverages, and s'mores kits for roasting marshmallows at occasional bonfires along the route.

Making s'mores at warming firesThe Morton Arboretum in Lisle

What are the details?

• Purchase advance tickets here. Dates often sell out, so get your tickets as soon as you can.
• The cost of Illumination tickets will vary. Members pay between $11 and $22. Nonmember tickets run between $16 to $27. Prices depend on the date and other discounts.
• Location: The Arboretum is located 25 miles from Chicago at 4100 Illinois Route 53 in suburban Lisle.

Woodland WonderThe Morton Arboretum in Lisle

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