The upcoming season marks the 14th year of the outdoor light exhibition, which has drawn over 2 million visitors since its inception in 2013. Amy Scott, the Arboretum’s head of exhibitions, described the event as a way for guests to engage with the natural landscape through new perspectives, including the centerpiece Northern Lights installation. This ambitious display creates a shifting color canopy overhead, complemented by three other new features: the rain-inspired Lightwave tunnel, the meditative Cosmic Garden, and the fairy-themed Fairy Forest.
Beyond the lights, the new Pine Whistle Railroad introduces a fantasy woodland inside the Firefly Pavilion, featuring nearly 1,000 feet of track that winds through miniature gnome houses and glowing mushrooms. The exhibition continues to offer specialized programming, including a 21+ IllumiBrew night on November 13, recurring Dog Admission evenings, and a sensory-friendly night on November 17.
Public tickets for the event go on sale October 15 at 9 a.m. CT. Pricing starts at $22 for adult nonmembers, with members receiving a 20% discount. The Arboretum is also offering a $5 discount on nonmember tickets using the code COMEDLIGHTS2026, while supplies last. Guests can enhance their visit with rental options like private heated IllumiDomes or pre-booked dining packages, available through the institution's website.
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