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OPEN 365 DAYS A YEAR & FREE
OPEN 365 DAYS A YEAR & FREE
ZooLights Presented by ComEd and Invesco QQQ
The most wonderful time of the year deserves the most wonderful event of the year. For that, we invite you to join us in celebrating 25 years of ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo. This one-of-a-kind, festive holiday experience offers a free, merry, family-oriented celebration of joy right in the heart of the city.
ZooLights features hundreds of luminous displays and incredible seasonal activities, all under the glow of 2.5 million lights. We ensure that it will be the hap, hap, happiest season since Bing Crosby tap-danced with Danny Kaye.
4:30–9 p.m.
November 29, 30
December 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31*
January 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
(Early closure of 8 p.m. on December 31 for Zoo Year’s Eve)
To help make the most of your ZooLights adventure, check out these tips on the zoo’s blog! Looking for a guide to the neighborhood? Utilize the Lincoln Park Chamber Holiday Guide.
FESTIVE ACTIVITIES
- Photos with Santa (through December 23 before he heads back to the North Pole)
- Incredible 3D displays
- Warm spiced wine, frosty beers, and festive specials
- Delicious holiday snacks
- Joyful gift shopping
- Live ice-sculpture carving (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays)
- Strolling carolers (Family Night Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays)
- Exciting ticketed experiences (including a one-of-a-kind Light Maze and 65-foot Ferris wheel)
- Musical light show at the Winter Wonderlawn
- Hundreds of themed larger-than-life displays
- Exclusive 3D holiday specs (while supplies last)
Monday Family Nights
Monday, December 16, 23, and 30
Kids eat FREE at Park Place Café (one free limited-menu kids’ meal per paid adult entrée/combo), and all guests enjoy unlimited free rides on Lionel Train Adventure and AT&T Endangered Species Carousel, as well as strolling carolers! Plus, zoo members (Individual level and above) get free parking. (Individual and Household members can pick up their parking vouchers at Searle Visitor Center during their visit.)
TICKETED EXPERIENCES
ZooLights attraction tickets cost $3 for one ticket, $27 for 10 tickets, and $51 for 20 tickets. Tickets are only available at the zoo.
AT&T Endangered Species Carousel
The carousel features 48 artisan-crafted wooden animals and two chariots.
1 ticket required per person to ride
Ferris Wheel
This 65-foot Ferris wheel will lift you to new sights as you soar above the holiday magic and get the best view in the city.
2 tickets required per person to ride
Light Maze Presented by Invesco QQQ
This attraction features 30,000 LED lights that distract you from twisting your way through this one-of-a-kind experience.
1 ticket required per person
Lionel Train Adventure
The trackless 28-passenger train crosses a quaint country bridge and wends its way past forest and canyon scenery before returning to a red brick station.
1 ticket required per person
Cookie Decorating at the Patio at Café Brauer
Pick your favorite holiday design and put your artistic abilities to a delicious test. Take it to go or enjoy under the glow of 2.5 million lights.
2 tickets required per person
ride-sharing
From November 29-January 5, all ride-share pickups and drop-offs must take place at the intersection of Webster Avenue and Stockton Drive.
SPECIAL EVENTS HAPPENING THIS WINTER AT LINCOLN PARK ZOO
Members-Only Night at ZooLights
Friday, November 22, 4:30–9 p.m.
Lincoln Park Zoo members and their guests get exclusive access to a preview of ZooLights before it opens to the public! (Please note: Only Lincoln Park Zoo members and their guests may enter the zoo on this evening. No advance registration is required.)
ZooLights Opening Night!
Friday, November 29, 4:25 p.m.
You are cordially invited to help us flip the switch! Join thousands of your closest friends for the official lighting ceremony on the zoo’s Main Mall, near the stairs at the Gift Shop, to kick off the most wonderful time of the year.
Holiday Market Presented by the Illinois Lottery
Tuesday, December 3, 6:30–10 p.m.
Don’t miss the wildest magical holiday shopping fair in the city! The zoo’s fourth annual Holiday Market takes place on #GivingTuesday and will feature local artisan, crafters, and makers throughout the zoo grounds against the backdrop of 2.5 million lights!
(Please note: This is a ticketed event; only guests with a ticket will be allowed entry to the zoo this evening.)
For guests of all ages
Learn More and Buy Tickets
Adults Night Out: Holidaze!
Thursday, December 5, 6:30–10 p.m.
This winter version of the zoo's most popular event series gives adults exclusive access to stroll zoo grounds after hours with hot chocolate, mulled wine, or beer in hand. Come for the 2.5 million holiday lights but stay for Zoo Trivia! Dazzling displays, holiday activities, music, cash bars, and educational entertainment. Sound fabulous? Join us!
(Please note: This is a ticketed event; only guests with a ticket will be allowed entry to the zoo this evening.)
For guests ages 18 and older
Learn More and Buy Tickets
BrewLights Presented by Louis Glunz Beer, Inc.
Thursday, December 12, 5:30–9:30 p.m.
Support Chicago’s free zoo with a craft brew at the fifth annual BrewLights, hosted by the Auxiliary Board of Lincoln Park Zoo. Guests will forage for local craft, seasonal, and import beers amidst the dazzle of ZooLights. All proceeds go toward the Auxiliary Board’s commitment to support Lincoln Park Zoo’s The Pride of Chicago capital campaign.
(Please note: This is a ticketed event; only guests with a ticket will be allowed entry to the zoo this evening.)
For guests ages 21 and older
Learn More and Buy Tickets
Breakfast with Santa
Sunday, December 15, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Enjoy quality family time with Kris Kringle, a delicious seasonal breakfast, and complimentary cookie decorating for kids. Buy tickets today for one of four limited-capacity seatings at landmark Café Brauer, located next to the zoo’s Nature Boardwalk.(Please note: This is a ticketed event that takes place at Café Brauer.)
For guests of all ages
Learn More and Buy Tickets
The Chris White Trio Tribute to ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’
Sunday, December 15, 5–6:30 p.m. and 7:30–9 p.m.
Snap your fingers to the jazzy take on one of the season’s classic soundtracks. Meet your favorite cartoon dog, enjoy a backdrop of 2.5 million lights, and experience a new holiday tradition.
(Please note: This is a ticketed event that takes place at Café Brauer.)
For guests of all ages
Learn More and Buy Tickets
Zoo Year’s Eve
Tuesday, December 31, 9 p.m.–1 a.m.
Zoo Year’s Eve is Chicago’s largest adults-only New Year’s Eve celebration! Ring in the New Year with thousands of your closest friends, DJ entertainment, and games while basking in the glow of ZooLights! Food and alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase.
(Please note: This is a ticketed event; only guests with a ticket will be allowed entry to the zoo this evening.)
For guests 21 and older
Learn More and Buy Tickets
GlowFlow Yoga
Sunday, January 5, 9–10 a.m.
Get your new year glow on with GlowFlow Yoga at the Zoo! This all-levels yoga class will be held under dim lighting inside Regenstein Small Mammal-Reptile House. Glow sticks will be provided and neon clothing is encouraged!
(Please note: This is a ticketed event that takes place at Regenstein Small Mammal-Reptile House.)
For guests 16 and older
Learn More and Buy Tickets
whERE IS ZOOLIGHTS TAKING PLACE, WHAT IS ACCESSIBLE, AND WILL I SEE ANIMALS?
Ticketed attractions for ZooLights will take place across the main zoo grounds. Only McCormick Bird House and Farm-in-the-Zoo will be closed during the entire event. The following buildings will close at various times throughout the night:
- Regenstein Center for African Apes at 9 p.m. (exhibit lights turn off at 8:30 p.m.)
- Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo at 10 p.m. (exhibit lights turn off at 8:30 p.m.)
- Regenstein Small Mammal-Reptile House at 10 p.m. (exhibit lights turn off at 8:30 p.m.)
- Regenstein African Journey at 9 p.m.
- Helen Brach Primate House at 9 p.m.
To learn about what areas of Lincoln Park Zoo are accessible, please visit www.lpzoo.org/accessibility.
You can check out all the exhibits Lincoln Park Zoo has to offer by visiting lpzoo.org/exhibits.
We have nearly 200 species at Lincoln Park Zoo. In general, animals tend to be most active around feeding—diurnal species are most active during the day while nocturnal animals are most active at night. But remember, most habitats at the zoo include behind-the-scenes areas, and the animals can choose where to spend their time.
whAT ARE THE AGE RESTRICTIONS FOR ZOOLIGHTS ATTRACTIONS?
All ages are welcome to attend ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo! For the safety of all guests, please note that specific paid attractions will have weight and height limitations.
do I NEED A TICKET TO ATTEND ZOOLIGHTS?
ZooLights is free for all to attend!
Attractions at ZooLights are an additional cost and are listed above under “Ticketed Experiences.” Tickets for rides can be purchased at Lincoln Park Zoo each night of ZooLights from Friday, November 29, through Sunday, January 5, from 4:30–9 p.m. Ticket kiosks will be set up throughout the main zoo grounds. Tickets must be purchased in person, as they are not available online. ZooLights tickets cost $3 for one ticket, $27 for 10 tickets, and $51 for 20 tickets.
caN ZOOLIGHTS ATTRACTION TICKETS BE TRADED, TRANSFERRED, OR REFUNDED? WHAT HAPPENS IF THERE IS INCLEMENT WEATHER?
Your attraction tickets can be used at the AT&T Endangered Species Carousel, Century Wheel, Light Maze Presented by Invesco QQQ, and Lionel Train Adventure. Tickets are not assigned to individual people, so feel free to distribute them to your family and friends. Please keep in mind that there are no refunds for tickets purchased to ZooLights attractions.
ZooLights will be held rain, shine, or snow. Please dress accordingly!
i aM A LINCOLN PARK ZOO MEMBER. HOW CAN I APPLY MY MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS TO ZOOLIGHTS?
Lincoln Park Zoo members will enjoy exclusive access to the new year-round Member Lounge, generously supported by the Women’s Board, located in the Searle Visitor Center. Warm up in this new space, which is open until 9 p.m. each night of ZooLights.
During Monday Family Nights, kids eat FREE at Park Place Café (one free limited-menu kids’ meal per paid adult entrée/combo), and all guests enjoy unlimited free rides on Lionel Train Adventure and AT&T Endangered Species Carousel, as well as strolling carolers! Plus, zoo members (Individual level and above) get free parking. (Individual and Household members can pick up their parking vouchers at Searle Visitor Center during their visit.)
Members-Only Night at ZooLights
Friday, November 22, 4:30–9 p.m.
Lincoln Park Zoo members and their guests get exclusive access to a preview of ZooLights before it opens to the public!
(Please note: Only Lincoln Park Zoo members and their guests may enter the zoo on this evening. No advance registration is required.)
Learn More
whERE CAN I PARK TO ATTEND ZOOLIGHTS?
Guests who wish to drive can pay to park in the Lincoln Park Zoo lot on Cannon Drive. For additional information and pricing, please visit lpzoo.org/plan-your-visit/hours-location-directions. Lincoln Park Zoo is also accessible by public transportation. Due to traffic, we highly recommend taking public transportation.
wiLL THERE BE FOOD OR BEVERAGES FOR SALE AT THIS EVENT?
Yes. Food is available at the following locations at Lincoln Park Zoo during ZooLights hours: Park Place Café, Eadie Levy’s Landmark Café, Safari Café, Snack & Drink Quick Stops, and the Patio at Café Brauer. All cafes accept cash and credit. While we will have several ATMs on site, we encourage you to bring cash for the most efficient experience.
if I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS, WHO CAN I REACH OUT TO?
If you have a question regarding this event, please email events@lpzoo.org.
If you are interested in being a sponsor of this event, please email CorporateAlliances@lpzoo.org.
If you are interested in volunteering at this event, please email volunteer@lpzoo.org.
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All Content © Lincoln Park Zoo.
2001 North Clark Street • Chicago, IL 60614 • 312-742-2000
