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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 year deserves the most wonderful type of event. ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo has been Chicago’s holiday tradition for 24 years. The one-of-a-kind experience offers fun, free, family-oriented holiday celebrations that feature luminous displays and incredible seasonal activities…all under the glow of 2.5 million lights!
4:30-9 p.m.
November 2018: 23, 24, 25 and 30
December 2018: 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 and 31*
*(early closure of 8 PM on the 31st)
January 2019: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6
Download the ZooLights Program (.PDF, English)
Download the ZooLights Program (.PDF, Spanish)
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
- Holiday gift shopping
- Live ice-sculpture carving (Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays and Family Night Mondays)
- Strolling carolers (Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Family Night Mondays)
- Ticketed experiences: AT&T Endangered Species Carousel, Lionel Train Adventure, Ferris wheel, Light Maze Presented by Invesco QQQ, Sea Explorer 5D
- Musical light shows at the Winter Wonderlawn
- Candy Cane Lane and more than 100 giant, themed displays
- 3D holiday specs while supplies last
Special Events
Members Only Night at ZooLights
Friday, November 16, 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 this evening. No advance registration is required.)
Learn more
ZooLights Opening Night!
Friday, November 23
You are cordially invited to help us flip the switch! At 4:25 p.m., join in on the official lighting ceremony at the stairs to Wild Things! gift shop to kick off the festivities.
Holiday Market
Tuesday, November 27, 6:30–10 p.m.
Don't miss the wildest magical holiday shopping fair in the city! The zoo's third annual Holiday Market 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
Adults Night Out: Holidaze!
Thursday, November 29, 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 the 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 18 and older
Learn more
BrewLights Presented by Lakeshore Beverage
Thursday, December 6, 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 campaign.
(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
The Chris White Trio Tribute to 'A Charlie Brown Christmas'
Sunday, December 9, 6:30–8 p.m.
Snap your fingers to this 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
Breakfast with Santa
Sunday, December 16, 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. seatings
Enjoy quality family time with Kris Kringle with 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
Zoo Year's Eve
Monday, December 31, 9 p.m. - 1 a.m.
New Year, NEW EVENT: Zoo Year's Eve is an adults-only New Year's Eve celebration! Ring in the New Year with DJ entertainment, games and giveaways 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
Monday Family Nights
Monday, December 10, 17, and 31*, 2018
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 ice carvers and strolling carolers! Plus, zoo members at the Individual level and above get free parking. (Individual and Household members, pick up your parking vouchers at Searle Visitor Center during your visit.)
*(early closure of 8 p.m. on December 31)
Experiences
Tickets can be purchased on site for $3 each, a package of 10 for $27, or a package of 20 for $51.
AT&T Endangered Species Carousel
The AT&T Endangered Species Carousel features 48 artisan-crafted wooden animals and two chariots.
1 ticket required per person to ride
Century Wheel
This 65-foot Ferris wheel will lift you to new sights as your 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 twinkling lights distracting you from making your way through the twists and turns.
1 ticket required per person
Lionel Train Adventure
The trackless train crosses over 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 to ride
Sea Explorer 5D
Take a virtual submarine ride that is great for the whole family. You will cruise through ocean waters, perhaps pop up near the shore, and maybe encounter some wildlife on the way! A hydraulic floor makes It feel like you're really traveling through the water as you dive deep and meet the residents of our wild waters.
2 tickets required per person to ride
Frequently Asked Questions
WHERE IS ZOOLIGHTS TAKING PLACE, WHAT IS ACCESSIBLE, AND WILL I SEE ANIMALS?
You can check out all the exhibits Lincoln Park Zoo has to offer by visiting lpzoo.org/exhibits. This year, ticketed attractions for ZooLights will take place throughout main zoo grounds only. However for ZooLights the McCormick Bird House and Farm-in-the-Zoo will not be open.
To learn about what areas of Lincoln Park Zoo are accessible, please visit www.lpzoo.org/accessibility.
We have nearly 200 species here 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 more active at night. Most of the animals at the zoo have access to either indoor and outdoor habitats or behind-the-scenes spaces. Choice is important for species and these animals may choose not to be visible to the public.
WHAT ARE THE AGE RESTRICTIONS FOR THE 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.
WHERE CAN I PURCHASE TICKETS TO ZOOLIGHTS ATTRACTIONS?
Tickets for rides can be purchased at Lincoln Park Zoo each night of ZooLights starting on Friday, November 23 through Sunday, January 6 from 4:30 to 9 p.m. Ticket kiosks will be set up throughout main zoo grounds. Tickets must be purchased in person as they are not available online. ZooLights tickets are $3 for one ticket, $27 for 10 tickets and $51 for 20 tickets.
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 open until 9:00 p.m. each night of ZooLights.
Members Only Night at ZooLights
Friday, November 16, 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 this evening. No advance registration is required.)
Learn more
For specific events and select ticket types, Lincoln Park Zoo members will receive a discount on their ticket purchase. Make sure to check the event page for details regarding member discounts.
To apply your Lincoln Park Zoo Membership code, please enter in the first three digits of your membership number is the “apply discount” box on Eventbrite. You will need to enter in the code before you select the number of tickets / ticket types (if more than one option is available) in order for the code to be applied. Then select the number of tickets you wish to purchase and proceed to checkout.
CAN ZOOLIGHTS ATTRACTION TICKETS BE TRADED, TRANSFERRED, OR REFUNDED AND WHAT HAPPENS IF THERE IS INCLEMENT WEATHER?
ZooLights is free to attend. Attractions at ZooLights are an additional costs. Your attraction tickets can be used at the Lionel Train Adventure, AT&T Endangered Species Carousel, Century Wheel, Light Maze Presented by Invesco QQQ and/or the Sea Explorer 5D. Tickets are not assigned to individual people, so feel free to distribute 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!
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.
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 are able to accept cash or credit. While we will have several ATMs on-site, we encourage you to bring cash for the most efficient experience.
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 contact Ryann Kehoe, Corporate Alliances Manager rkehoe@lpzoo.org.
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