Illumination returns to The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois for its 14th season, running Saturday, November 14, 2026 through Saturday, January 2, 2027, with trails open nightly from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. For 2026 the Arboretum is adding four new installations, including an aurora borealis-inspired light canopy stretching more than 400 feet overhead, a chrome sphere tunnel, a hillside of glowing orbs, and an enchanted woodland of illuminated mushrooms.
The outdoor, mile-long walking trail suits families, couples and photographers, and most visitors plan for one to two hours outdoors in winter weather. Entry is timed: tickets carry an assigned entry window for the Illumination trail, so advance online purchase is effectively required, especially on weekends, and the Arboretum uses dynamic plan-ahead pricing that rewards buying early.
Stats at a Glance
- Venue: The Morton Arboretum
- City: Lisle
- State: Illinois
- Dates: November 14, 2026 to January 2, 2027
- Hours: 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. nightly, last admission 8:30 p.m. (check the calendar for exact closing nights)
- Tickets: Adult general admission from $17.60 for members and $22 for nonmembers; dynamic plan-ahead pricing means exact cost varies by date. EBT/WIC cardholders pay $10 adult / $5 child
- Timed entry: yes
- New for 2026: Aurora-inspired light canopy, chrome sphere tunnel, glowing orb hillside, and a nearly 1,000-foot model train display in Firefly Pavilion
What’s new for 2026
The Arboretum says this is its boldest Illumination yet, debuting four major new installations: a season-exclusive aurora borealis-inspired canopy spanning more than 400 feet overhead, a chrome sphere tunnel inspired by rain and dewdrops, a hillside landscape of glowing orbs, and an enchanted woodland filled with glowing orbs and illuminated mushrooms. The event also adds a model train experience with nearly 1,000 feet of track running through miniature scenes in the Firefly Pavilion, available as an add-on ticket during both daytime hours and evening Illumination hours, and it continues past Illumination’s close through February 13.
The lights and displays
Illumination is a roughly mile-long after-dark walking trail through the Arboretum’s groves and gardens, combining the new 2026 installations with returning favorites built around the site’s trees, meadows and Meadow Lake. The Arboretum has not published a specific light count for 2026, so expect a large-scale, immersive trail experience rather than a single marquee show. Exact walking order and which zones are active can vary by night, so check the current trail map when you arrive.
Tickets, prices and member nights
General admission tickets start at $17.60 for Arboretum adult members and $22 for adult nonmembers, with members getting the lowest prices all season. The Arboretum uses plan-ahead dynamic pricing, so costs can differ by date and tend to rise closer to the visit or on busier nights; buy early for the best rate. EBT/WIC cardholders can get discounted admission at $10 for adults and $5 for children. Tickets are sold online at mortonarb.org/illumination, by phone, or in person at the Visitor Center, and entry times are assigned, so buying in advance is effectively required. Premium parking is available for $18 per vehicle on select weekends and holidays while spaces last; standard parking details are posted on the ticket page.
Food, drinks and extras
Seasonal concessions along the trail include hot chocolate, s’mores kits and snacks, plus alcoholic beverages for adult visitors. Ginkgo Restaurant offers sit-down meals overlooking Meadow Lake. The Arboretum also runs IllumiBrew, a 21-and-over tasting event held the night before the season opens, and private two-hour IllumiDomes rentals that include warm beverages and treats. The new model train display in Firefly Pavilion is a separate add-on ticket at $7 for members and $9 for nonmembers, and select dog-friendly nights are available for $10 per dog.
Tips for your visit
Weeknights are typically calmer than weekends, and arriving close to your assigned entry time helps avoid lines at peak hours. Plan for one to two hours on the trail and dress for outdoor winter conditions, since the walk is almost entirely outside and surfaces can be uneven or icy. The event can close or adjust hours for severe winter weather, so check mortonarb.org/illumination or the Arboretum’s social channels before heading out on a stormy night. Strollers are generally fine on the main paved trail, but check current accessibility notes for any detours around the new installations.
Explore more: every zoo and garden holiday light show for 2026, by state.
A fan and a mist in one, rechargeable. Very popular in queue lines once the afternoon sun hits.
Build a working coaster on the kitchen table and learn why the first drop has to be the tallest. A good gift for young coaster fans.
Over 3,700 pieces, a real vertical loop and a working chain lift. Display it on a shelf in the coaster room.
Illumination 2026 at The Morton Arboretum FAQs
When is Illumination 2026 at the Morton Arboretum?
Illumination runs Saturday, November 14, 2026 through Saturday, January 2, 2027, nightly from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m., with last admission at 8:30 p.m. Check the official calendar for any closed nights.
How much are Illumination tickets in 2026?
Adult general admission starts at $17.60 for Arboretum members and $22 for nonmembers. The Arboretum uses plan-ahead dynamic pricing, so the exact price depends on the date and how far in advance you buy. EBT/WIC cardholders pay $10 for adults and $5 for children.
Do you need to buy Illumination tickets in advance?
Yes. Entry is timed, with each ticket assigned a specific entry window for the Illumination trail, so advance online purchase at mortonarb.org/illumination is strongly recommended, especially for weekend dates.
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Photo: Patrick Pelletier / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.