Morton Arboretum Sets Dates for 14th Season of Illumination

Chicago’s holiday tradition, Illumination, returns to The Morton Arboretum from November 14 through January 2, 2027. This year’s exhibition features 22 distinct displays across a one-mile trail, highlighted by a massive 400-foot canopy installation and a new interactive model train experience for families.

Money Talk·October 1, 2026·reads: 482

Morton Arboretum Sets Dates for 14th Season of Illumination

The upcoming season marks the 14th year of the outdoor light exhibition, which has drawn over 2 million visitors since its inception in 2013. Amy Scott, the Arboretum’s head of exhibitions, described the event as a way for guests to engage with the natural landscape through new perspectives, including the centerpiece Northern Lights installation. This ambitious display creates a shifting color canopy overhead, complemented by three other new features: the rain-inspired Lightwave tunnel, the meditative Cosmic Garden, and the fairy-themed Fairy Forest.

Beyond the lights, the new Pine Whistle Railroad introduces a fantasy woodland inside the Firefly Pavilion, featuring nearly 1,000 feet of track that winds through miniature gnome houses and glowing mushrooms. The exhibition continues to offer specialized programming, including a 21+ IllumiBrew night on November 13, recurring Dog Admission evenings, and a sensory-friendly night on November 17.

Public tickets for the event go on sale October 15 at 9 a.m. CT. Pricing starts at $22 for adult nonmembers, with members receiving a 20% discount. The Arboretum is also offering a $5 discount on nonmember tickets using the code COMEDLIGHTS2026, while supplies last. Guests can enhance their visit with rental options like private heated IllumiDomes or pre-booked dining packages, available through the institution's website.