Follow My Sun

Illumination: The Morton Arboretum

I love holiday lights!  One of my favorite things to do is jump in the car with the hubby on any random night and drive around town admiring neighborhood displays.  I look out my living room window and see a herd of glowing vintage Santas, which always brings a smile to my face.

Travel outside of Chicago west about 30 miles to the Morton Arboretum to experience a different kind of light display.  Located in Lisle, Illinois it is open all year round with acres of nature’s beauty.  The Arboretum, beautiful during all seasons, takes on a magical visual experience around the holidays with Illumination.   As you approach the entrance you will see beacons of light foreshadowing the experience ahead.  It is not your typical holiday twinkling lights.  It evokes the emotion of the holidays through the luminescence of nature.

Walk along a one-mile path observing different lighted scenes. Bundle up and wear comfortable shoes.    It takes a little more than an hour to complete. Due to its popularity, there are many people that attend.  Take your time and enjoy the illuminated moments.

It starts with a tunnel of shimmery streamers blowing overhead.

Continue around the lake where a choreographed spotlight show takes center stage.  Reminding me of something you would see in Las Vegas.

 Some highlights include the Symphony Forest where music plays while lights flash to the beat. 

Head up ornament hill and see colorful orbs dotting the landscape.

Feeling a little cold, stop at one of the three fire pit areas along the way to warm up.  You can purchase s’more kits to create your own melty marshmallow treat or stop at one of the concession stands for a hot beverage (spiked if you desire).

Want more?…Yes Please!! 

Look up as you pass thru the Festival of lanterns.   Moroccan inspired lanterns in beautiful bold colors lead you to the next scene.

My favorite of the night was Treemagination.
You got to see it to believe it.  That’s all I am going to say about that!

Tickets by reservation only costing $17-27 per adult.  Be sure to reserve early as they sell out quickly.  Runs November 19th thru January 7, 2023.  Check out the link below for more details.

mortonarb.org