Tickets go on sale Oct. 1 for the annual Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum that will run from Nov.20 to Jan. 2, 2016. (Photo: Morton Arbortetum)

Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum returns this November with more lights, sights and sounds that will transform a Chicago-area wintertime walk in the woods into a colorful, inspiring experience like no other.

The event will run from Nov.20 to Jan. 2, 2016 when visitors are invited to walk Illumination’s one-mile path, surrounded by 50 acres of trees bathed in theatrical LED lighting in shades of vivid electric blue, hot pink and neon green. Along the way, a series of “experiences”–programmed lighting, video and sound seamlessly integrated into the landscape–encourage visitors to see trees in a different light.

Visitors can interact with trees that respond to voice or touch, find out how a tree responds to a big hug, or control the action of videos projected upon the Arboretum’s towering trees.

“With cutting-edge lighting and sound, Illumination not only amplifies the unique beauty of trees in the wintertime, it also offers visitors of all ages the unique opportunity to connect with the trees around them,” said Sue Wagner, vice president of education and information at The Morton Arboretum. “Last year, visitors came from every corner of the country to see the magic of Illumination. With new experiences and enhancements to our most popular elements, the 2015 season offers surprises for both new and returning visitors.”

Brand new experiences in 2015 include dazzling lighting effects on Meadow Lake, and Ornament Hill, where a series of glowing orbs of varying colors and sizes placed on the Arboretum’s Frost Hill create a glittering vista visible from many locations on the trail.

Several Illumination experiences will be updated with new effects, including:

* Symphony Woods – The music and light experience of Symphony Woods will feature a new program, with updated music recorded by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra;

* Garden of Light – Music has been added to LED lights moving in sync with music over the Arboretum’s historic hedge garden, for a stunning multi-sensory experience;

* Tree Harmony – This year, singing to the trees will activate a series of programmed LED lights that rain down from the trees like shiny strands of tinsel.

Many other fan-favorite Illumination experiences will be updated for the 2015 season, including Hug a Tree, where visitors can hug a tree and watch it respond, Crystal Promenade, where 24 beautiful chandeliers of varying sizes light the forest, and Seasons Greetings, where visitors control the movements of a projected image using towering hemlock trees as a giant movie screen.

Illumination tickets go on sale Oct. 1. For more information about Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum, visit mortonarb.org/illumination.