There is a special magic that envelopes us among the trees and bushes, sky and water, and clings to the night air when all is dark and still. It comes when one walks upon solid ground that suddenly becomes a mystical path alive with unexpected glimmers of flickering lights and shafts of dancing beams of color; an imaginative adventure in the living museum that the Morton Arboretum is.
The approaching eve’s cloud cover afforded a dramatic prelude to the illumination about to start.
We had the pleasure of attending a reception with tasty tidbits and the best hot chocolate ever, laced with Irish Creme, just as nightfall drifted over the Arboretum grounds. Fueled by our refreshments, we donned our coats and scarves and gloves, and embarked upon the path of light and sound and imagination.
Meadow Lake mirrored the artful art of skipping stones and the illusion of roots upon the water.
The vast collection of trees danced the night away in a perfectly choreographed Nutcracker.
We had fun with light beams and we magically colored outside the lines along the Conifer Path.
It was a walk in the wonder, wonderland arboretum, filled with colorful lights and sounds, and a reminder that sometimes, maybe more often, it is good for the soul to color outside the lines.
What a wonderful evening, Penny! Thank you for taking us along on this colorful adventure. Is this an annual event at the Morton Arboretum? Many years ago, we hiked through the arboretum searching for the Yule Log. It was such a cold day, but after someone finally discovered the Yule Log, we all warmed up with wonderful hot cocoa! There is such wonderful excitement there all year long! ♡
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You are very welcome, Dawn.
I believe this is the third year of Illumination at the Arb. Last year, we went, but, it was closer to Christmas – and it was jammed with people. Last night, being a little earlier in the holiday season, it wasn’t as crowded. Both were enjoyable experiences, each in their way. The light shows are phenomenal, their are warming pits/fires along the way, concession tents. The lights dancing through the trees to The Nutcracker is amazing, but, so are the the chandeliers (real chandeliers) handing from the trees in another part.
What a fun activity that must have been searching for the Yule Log. One thing we always plan on doing, and never quite get around to, is their theater hikes.
Enjoy the warmer weather this weekend.
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Thank you for this magical adventure Penny. I see that it’s snow-fall time on the blog also. Outside the sun is shining & every day is getting warmer here; such contrasts!
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It is, indeed, snow fall time, both on the blog and outside as well. As always, Juliet, I love to view our seasons as they unfurl; your season approaching summer, ours winter. Enjoy that warmth, my far-away friend. 🙂
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They really did create a Winter Wonderland! I know it must be a very special night to draw people out of warm homes and out into the cold night air. I know how you love the trees at the Morton, so I’m sure this was truly a magical sight. I read what you said to Dawn about going a little earlier in the season and it being a little less crowded. That’s kind of my dream this time of year. So often I’ve attended a holiday light display and there are so many people it’s almost stressful. This really looks like it was delightful. I loved the photos. 🙂
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Debra, this Winter Wonderland will continue all month, and the crowds will build on weekends and then when children are out of school for winter break. It is amazing how many attend in the hard cold and snow. The other night, Jennifer and I had plenty of opportunities to get up closer and have room to walk. Last year, Tom and I were up close with the backs of the hordes. Both experiences are fun in their own way. This IS that dream time of year,. 🙂 You are right.
I took a video of the symphony playing in the trees, but, couldn’t get it onto wordpress.
By-the-way, I noticed you had snow on your blog, too. 🙂
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How beautiful, Penny! So this happens each night? I hope to stop there at some point this month.
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Thank you. Yes. Every night, starting at five o’clock. I think it goes through the first week of January. The link offers more information, L. Marie. I hope you can get there.
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This looks beautiful Penny and it reminds me of a light show my niece did with her fellow students years ago in Germany.
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Thank you, Gerlinde. It was. I’m sure it is nice to look back at your niece and her friends light show. It’s amazing how plants chance with the lights.
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Lovely! I must try to get over there this holiday season.
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Oh, do go if you have a chance. It is amazing at night with the lights, but, always beautiful during the day. Thank you. 🙂
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Absolutely celestial. Thank you for the invitation!
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Hi, Marilyn. You are welcome. Celestial, indeed it is. 🙂 Thanks.
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Love this … Sometimes I wish my winter travels didn’t take us away from cold weather. How fun this would be!
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This has a special appeal in the cold and even more so when there is snow. We were there early enough to not be in a big crowds, but, that will change once school lets out for the winter break. This is an exciting exhibit. My favorite is watching the light show, among the trees, with music from the Nutcracker playing. 🙂
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Your description of the light show at the Arb was fantastic! We are hoping to get over there, maybe right after Christmas. We try to make it every year!
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Thank you, Janet. I hope you get there. They changed the direction and added a few different lights. I might have to go back just for the hot chocolate. 🙂
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