# The Morton Arboretum: Illumination: Tree Lights > Event for families in the Chicago–Naperville–Elgin area (IL / IN). Times are Central Time. - When: Nov 14 – Jan 2 · 4:30 PM – 9:30 PM - Where: The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, IL 60532 - Ages: All ages (children under 2 free; smooth paved 1-mile walking loop suited for all strollers) - Price: Nonmembers: Adults from $22, Children (ages 2–12) from $14; Members: Adults from $17.60, Children from $11.20; Infants under 2 free. EBT/WIC cardholders qualify for $10 adult / $5 child admission. Parking included with admission. - Organizer: The Morton Arboretum - Official page: https://mortonarb.org/explore/activities/events/illumination/ - Last checked: Wed, Nov 4 Source: Grassy Knees is a directory of real family events, places and programs for kids across major U.S. metro areas, where every listing is researched from the organizer’s own page and shows the date we last checked it. https://grassyknees.com covers 42 metro areas as of Nov 11, 2026, with more added regularly. About: https://grassyknees.com/about Freshness: listings are re-checked on a daily research run (latest check 2026-11-10), and new events are added as organizers post them. Sell-outs, weather cancellations and time changes show up on the live page first: https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/the-morton-arboretum-illumination-tree-lights--listing-7385975c329f3010fefcd4d6 ## About Now in its 14th year, Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum in west-suburban Lisle turns 50 acres of majestic living trees into a breathtaking wonderland of light, color, and orchestral sound. Along a scenic one-mile paved walking loop around Meadow Lake and through the woods, visitors immerse themselves in interactive light features where hugging or singing to trees triggers luminous reactive color ripples across the canopy. The 2026 season introduces new installations alongside beloved classics like the Symphony Woods, Treemagination, and the enchanting Pine Whistle Railroad model train exhibition. Warming tents, outdoor fire pits with s'mores kits, warm hot chocolate, spiked hot beverages, and seasonal bites are stationed conveniently along the trail. The paved trail is completely accessible for strollers, wagons, and wheelchairs. Advance reservations with timed entry slots are mandatory, and guests are encouraged to dress in warm layers for the 60-to-90-minute evening woodland stroll. ## Similar picks in Chicago - [Illumination: Tree Lights 2026–2027](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/illumination-tree-lights-2026-2027--listing-2351caabf422cee46897c1c2) — Nov 14 – Jan 2 · The Morton Arboretum, Lisle · All ages · Paid · checked Oct 11. Walk an accessible one-mile route through illuminated trees and light installations. - [Cosley Zoo Festival of Lights & Christmas Tree Sale](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/cosley-zoo-festival-of-lights-and-christmas-tree-sale--listing-01e5a5122981d36969df51cc) — Nov 27 – Dec 30 · 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM · Cosley Zoo, Wheaton · All ages · Free · checked Nov 4. 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