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Illuminate Your Holiday Season at Morton Arboretum

And enter for your chance to win four free tickets to this amazing show!

By Joan Scovic, Editor and Publisher, Macaroni Kid Palatine-Barrington December 15, 2019

If the beautifully lit trees at the entrance to Morton Arboretum don't let you know you are in for a special event, then the beacons of light produced by the amazing spotlights definitely will! Read on for details on this amazing experience as well as info on how you can enter to win four free tickets to Illumination at Morton Arboretum.

Upon arrival, we were asked if we had our tickets already. Be sure to reserve your tickets in advance as this popular show sells out regularly! We were then directed to the shuttle parking lot. Usually that's not a good sign, but in this case it was a well-oiled machine. There was only one remote lot (which I verified first with our bus driver), so no need to remember your lot location in the dark when you finish your visit! The bus drivers in both directions were so pleasant, and holiday carols were playing to get us in the mood.

Helpful staff members and volunteers directed everyone to the path to start our evening of Illumination. From "Meadow Lake Magic" which set the scene for the entire evening, to inspirational environmental messages along the pathways, Morton Arboretum is definitely sharing their mission as tree champions.


The awareness and inspiration from the trees themselves is evident throughout the one-mile walk. From the twinkling lights of Woodland Wonder to the Crown of Light, Illumination shared surprises around every corner of the pathway. Lights were constantly changing colors to evoke the seasons and share different moods.







And with opportunities to stop and listen to music, hug a tree, or grab a snack, you'll find lots to do! Several sections of the walk included music that tied in to the light shows that were being shown. A majestic stand of evergreens became the backdrop to a swirling and twirling display that was absolutely mesmerizing! Surprises could be found on the ground as well as up in the tree canopy.






There were fire pits located throughout the walk, providing opportunities to warm up along the way. The concession stands offered a variety of cocoa flavors - for both the littles and those adults who might enjoy a bit of holiday warmth in their cups! Even the trees at the end of the walk proved to be lovely, putting a satisfying end to the journey. For those looking for more than a snack, the visitor center has a restaurant with a view of the Meadow Lake Magic area - making grabbing a bite the perfect ending (or beginning) to the evening. For more information about the restaurant, click here


Along the route we saw strollers, wagons, and wheelchairs - the path is accessible, although there is a hill about 3/4 of the way through. For complete details and information about Illumination, visit the Morton Arboretum's website.

Morton Arboretum has graciously donated a four-pack of tickets to attend Illumination! 
Enter here by Tuesday, December 17 at 9:00pm (CST) for your chance to win!

I want to thank Morton Arboretum for sharing complimentary tickets with my family so we could attend as well as four additional tickets that we are able to share with our subscribers!

The fine print: No purchase necessary to enter or win. A purchase of any kind will not increase your chances of winning. Odds of winning will depend on the total number of entries received. Void where prohibited by law. Do not enter this sweepstakes if you are not eighteen (18) years of age or older as of December 17, 2019 and a legal resident of and currently residing in one of the fifty (50) United States or the District of Columbia. An email address can only be entered once. Entries valid through December 17, 2019, 9:00pm CST. Complete Official Sweepstakes Rules can be found here. One (1) winner will be chosen using www.random.org on Tuesday, December 17, 2019. The winner will be contacted via email and/or phone and will have 24 hours to claim the prize or the prize may be forfeited.