Not everything is worth the gas or time it takes to get there.
Not so for holiday light show Illumination. Lake County families certainly won’t mind buckling up and heading south to the Morton Arboretum to tour a one-of-a-kind light show that aims to help us all see trees in a different light.
Now this isn’t any old light show where lights are strung around the grounds; at Illumination visitors stroll through a mile loop featuring interactive light displays where they are encouraged to sing to trees and watch them go aglow in response to the song, hug trees and watch them light up from the touch and marvel over the way the lights dance around the trees during Chicago Symphony Orchestra songs.
Neat, huh? Illumination designer John said this show is unique in itself, and after experiencing a behind-the-scenes tour, our family agreed.
We could barely pull our youngest son away from the microphone as he happily sang to the glowing trees.
Illumination is definitely worth the drive, but keep a few things in mind:
- Dress for the weather; don’t skimp on layers and winter clothing. When we go see the full show, our boys will be decked out in snow pants, hats, gloves and boots. Part of enjoying Illumination means dressing for the elements and probably stopping at the warming tent.
- Bring a baby carrier or stroller for little ones who may not be able to do the whole walk; at 4 and 6 last year and 5 and 7 this year our boys handled the walk just fine.
- Be prepared to stop for hot cocoa and hot cider along the path.
- Don’t let a light cover of snow deter you. Show designer John said he thinks the lights will be even more spectacular glowing amid the snow.
Ready to make the drive? You can buy tickets for Illumination at the Morton Arboretum’s website. Or you can head over to Undercover Mother and enter for a chance to win a four pack of tickets for your family! Illumination runs now through January 3, 2015.
The Morton Arboretum
4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, IL 60532
Phone: 630-968-0074
Keep up with the Arboretum on Facebook.
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