As the weather turns colder and families come together for the holidays, the Morton Arboretum in Lisle hosts their ninth annual Illumination light show. The event, which lasts from Nov. 20, 2021 to Jan. 2, 2022, brings families and friends together to experience a beautiful and informative holiday experience. After the pandemic forced the event to become drive-through last year, this year’s experience was more anticipated than ever.
First hosted in 2012, the event involves an immersive and unique light experience each year throughout the holiday season. The 50 acre set-up lets guests experience the Arboretum’s majestic trees in a whole new way. It features one-of-a-kind spectacles of color, light and sound. Illumination highlights the many gifts of trees including natural beauty, increased feelings of peace, homes for wildlife and the air we breathe.
Photo by Rachael Woods
As tickets went on sale for the event, both guests and Arboretum members quickly booked their spots to ensure they would get to experience the show. Rose DePietro, a second time visitor, explained how her experience had exceeded her and her family’s expectations.
“We weren't really sure what to expect. So far it has been great and the kids are excited. Last year [my son] kept saying it was better than Disney World,” DePietro said.
The illuminated mile-long path features 12 different sections and themes of lights, including interactive, sound immersive and water reflective lights. The Arboretum has changed many of the sections over the years, but always maintains the eye-catching nature of the experience. Jeanne Sampson, a grandmother from Virginia, shared how she flies in every year to visit the show with her grandchildren.
The event has many stops along the trail for guests to buy hot chocolate and toast marshmallows over fire pits. These spots have become very popular for all ages, especially teenagers. Sammy Lee, a 17 year old visiting for the first time with seven of her friends, explained how the experience felt to her.
“The concession tents have been one of our favorite parts since you can’t celebrate the holidays without some hot chocolate. It’s been nice to walk around with our warm cups, drinking and laughing, and celebrating the holidays together,” Lee said.
As winter break approaches for many schools, Illuminations tickets will be hard to come by. The Morton Arboretum offers reduced ticket prices to members, to encourage people to sign up and enjoy the park's many other events and attractions. The main purpose for Illumination is to present the beauty of trees and raise money for the Arboretum. Guests have found that it has encouraged them to become members. Kelly Zablocki, a four year participant and member of the Arboretum, said that the event has really helped in spreading awareness about the Arboretum's main causes.
After almost 2 years since the COVID-19 pandemic started, it’s even more important to families and the community to reconnect and spend time together. The light show has been an important factor in bringing people together during the holiday season.
“Being together, watching the beautiful lights and enjoying the outdoors has been one of my favorite parts of this year. This really is what the holidays are all about,” Sampson said.