Illumination Sensory Night at The Morton Arboretum

Advance tickets online, sold in limited capacity for this night.

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About this adventure

The Morton Arboretum's holiday light show, Illumination, has one sensory night each season. On this evening the light displays are static rather than moving or flashing and the music is played at low volume, and tickets are sold in limited numbers so the trail stays uncrowded. Illumination follows a one-mile paved, ADA-compliant path through the Arboretum's East Side, lighting up trees and woodland with color, so strollers, wheelchairs and mobility scooters all manage the route. Sensory supports — headphones, sunglasses and fidgets — can be borrowed at the Visitor Center Information Desk, and the Arboretum publishes a social story in English and Spanish to help children know what to expect. A concession tent along the trail sells hot chocolate, cider, cookies and s'mores kits. It suits children with autism or sensory processing differences, babies and toddlers, and anyone who wants a gentler first visit. Dress for the weather, and note that the trail is not visible from a car.