I received a ticket in exchange for sharing my honest opinion.
Did you know the Morton Arboretum is open year-round, 365 days a year, from 9 a.m. to sunset? In addition to just walking the amazing grounds of seasonal blooms, there is also constantly events going on to expereience. From concerts to light shows to cross-country skiing and children’s activities, there is always something going on it seems like!
This year we actually experienced Illumination at the Morton Arboretum and it was a great family experience! It was of course made better because we attended on dog-admission night which allowed us to bring our fur-child with us!
We spent about an hour walking through all the lights and easily could have spent longer! I hadn’t realized the layout and might have spent more time at different attractions had I realized where we were in the layout of lights. I definitely recommend checking out Illumination at least once because it is truly magical what they do with the lights. Also, due to how big the Morton Arboretum is I didn’t feel crowded or rushed as there was plenty to look at!
Check out the upcoming events for the Morton Arboretum:
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum – Through Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026 | 4:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Electric Illumination (ages 18 and older) – Three Fridays, Dec. 5, 12 and 19 | 4:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Illumination Dog Admission Nights – NEW! – Wednesdays, Dec. 3, 10 and 17 | 4:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Dog Admission Days – Wednesdays, Dec. 3, 10 and 17 | 7 a.m. to sunset or Sundays, Dec. 14 and 28 | 7 a.m. to sunset
Chamber Concerts – Sundays, Dec. 7, Jan. 4, Feb. 1 and March 1 | 2:15 p.m.
Pine Pacer Challenge – Thursday, Jan. 1 through Saturday, Jan. 31
Whiskey Dinner – Friday, Jan. 16, or Saturday, Jan. 17 | 6 to 9 p.m.
Chocolate Weekend – Saturday, Jan. 31 and Sunday, Feb. 1 | 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Vivid Creatures – Exhibition included with Arboretum admission! Open through Spring 2027
Wednesday Storytime at The Morton Arboretum – Wednesdays, Dec. 3, 10 and 17, and Jan. 7, 14, 21 and 28 | 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
There are also a ton of educational and wellness programs offered! To see more adult educational and wellness programs offered by the Arboretum, visit mortonarb.org. Additional youth and family programs can also be found on the website.