ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo

A Chicago holiday tradition, ZooLights Presented by ComEd and Invesco QQQ illuminates the zoo with dazzling lights and dynamic displays. Enjoy a twinkling winter wonderland complete with festive activities, such as socially-distant visits with Santa, a holiday pop-up bar, an Enchanted Forest, Light Maze Presented by Invesco QQQ, sweet treats of all kinds, and much more!

Discount Parking rates of $10 are available for online purchases only! Diversity South is offer $25 Drive-up Parking while the Conservatory & Chicago History Museum will offer standard posted parking rates.

Holiday Favorite ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo

Tickets are now on sale for cherished Chicago holiday tradition, ZooLights Presented by ComEd and Invesco QQQ at Lincoln Park Zoo!

ZooLights tickets are $5 per person Tuesday-Sunday, and general admission tickets are free Mondays. All ticket sales support the zoo’s world-class animal care, global conservation efforts, and innovative learning programs. In addition, a lineup of special events punctuates the ZooLights calendar with members-only nights, adults-only events, and seasonal music.

Lincoln Park Zoo is committed to advancing sustainable strategies and practices at the zoo. This year’s cherished light show is once again powered by green, renewable power. All of the lights are energy-saving LEDs and are powered by wind energy.

“ZooLights Presented by ComEd and Invesco QQQ is a longtime tradition for many, and, year after year, families and friends return to Lincoln Park Zoo to partake in seasonal cheer and watch zoo grounds transform into a dazzling winter wonderland,” said Director of Marketing & Events Gretchen Kirchmer.
Highlights of this year’s ZooLights: the return of a Ferris wheel, an expansive light tunnel on Main Mall, a Chicago-themed patio at Eadie Levy’s Landmark Café, and a re-envisioned Candyland Light Show Sponsored by UChicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital on the crowd-favorite Winter Wonderlawn. Once again this year, guests can also “flip the switch” on the light show by purchasing a Light Up the Lawn experience.

ZOOLIGHTS PRESENTED BY COMED AND INVESCO QQQ

ZooLights Presented by ComEd and Invesco QQQ illuminates the zoo with dazzling lights and dynamic displays.

Festive activities include visits with Santa, a holiday pop-up bar, live ice carving, carolers, Light Maze Presented by Invesco QQQ, sweet treats of all kinds, and much more!

Tickets for ZooLights are $5 per person (guests of all ages, including infants, require a ticket) and are now available for purchase at lpzoo.org/zoolights.

ZooLights runs from 4:30 to 10 p.m. on Nov. 18-23, 25-30, Dec. 2-14, 16-23, 26-31, and Jan. 1.

Members-Only Nights

Active zoo members will enjoy two free Members-Only Nights at ZooLights on November 18 and December 14. Registration is required, and zoo members can experience regular ZooLights hours and happenings free of charge.

ZooLights Free Nights

ZooLights will be free to enter on Mondays on Nov. 21, 28, and Dec. 5, 12, 19, and 26. All regular ZooLights hours and happenings apply, including paid attractions.

The event is free but tickets are required for all guests, including infants.

Sensory-friendly Night

Lincoln Park Zoo is offering a sensory-friendly ZooLights experience for all hours of ZooLights on Nov. 29. During this special evening, most lights will remain static, and those that do move will be slowed down or turned off. Music will be quieted or off. This is a perfect evening to attend for anyone looking for a more serene ZooLights experience.

Tickets are required and available at lpzoo.org/zoolights.

Light Maze Presented by Invesco QQQ

Twist and turn through the Light Maze, a beautifully lit path sure to rouse holiday spirits. One ticket ($4) required per guest.

Snowy’s Spirits & S’more

At this donned-and-decked holiday-themed pop-up bar, roast s’mores over a fire pit, sip and savor on festive cocktails and hot drinks, and devour sweet treats of all kinds as you look over the light tunnel and passing crowds on Main Mall—and maybe catch a glimpse of the lion pride from above. Free to enter.

Light Up the Lawn

Returning for its second year, the Light Up the Lawn experience invites guests to “flip the switch” on the Candyland Light Show Sponsored by UChicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital Winter Wonderlawn and kick off the night’s most eye-catching light show! This special moment is perfect for family celebrations, birthdays, proposals, or corporate outings. Pricing begins at $250 on weekdays and $350 on Fridays or Saturdays except Zoolights Opening Night (November 18), which is $500. Email events@lpzoo.org for more information.

Rides and Special Attractions

Those looking for some extra fun during ZooLights are invited to hop on and enjoy a ride on the beloved AT&T Endangered Species Carousel or take a journey on the kid-sized 28-passenger train, Lionel Train Adventure. Returning this year for the first time since 2019, enjoy a ride on the Ferris wheel to marvel at the lights from above! One ticket ($4) required per guest per attraction for most attractions; Ferris wheel requires two tickets per guest. Guests interested in attraction ticket packages can purchase them online in advance or at the zoo.

HOLIDAY EVENTS

Each of these holiday events are offer a unique ZooLights experience. The zoo will only be open to special event ticket holders on these dates.

Dec. 1: BrewLights Presented by Louis Glunz Beer, Inc.

BrewLights, hosted by the zoo’s Auxiliary Board of Lincoln Park Zoo, returns for another year of holiday cheer and specialty brews. Guests will sip and savor beers while supporting the zoo and soaking in the spirit of the season.

Dec. 11: The Chris White Trio Tribute to “A Charlie Brown Christmas”

Back for an encore at Café Brauer, guests will tap their toes during this soulful jazz tribute to a favorite holiday classic. The showtimes are at 5:00 and 7:30 p.m. and tickets are $35 and include a complimentary beverage.

Dec. 15: Adults Night Out: Holidaze

Guests ages 18 years and older can enjoy sparkling lights and seasonal drinks while enjoying access to all the ZooLights amenities… without the kids. This event includes a DJ, animal chats, unlimited access to the carousel, Ferris wheel, and Light Maze Presented by Invesco QQQ! Tickets start at $15 and the event begins at 6:30 p.m. Food and drink are available for purchase.

Dec. 31: Zoo Year’s Eve

At this adults-only (ages 21+) event, guests can countdown to 2023 with a DJ, games, giveaways, special animal enrichment, and much more. The event begins at 9 p.m. and tickets start at $20.

PROPOSALS AND PRIVATE RENTALS

Thinking of popping the question? Looking to host a holiday celebration? The zoo offers unforgettable holiday packages for those looking for a unique and intimate way to celebrate the season. Interested parties can find out more by contacting groupsales@lpzoo.org.

ZooLights is made possible by UChicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital, Coca-Cola, Louis Glunz Beer, Inc., and 93.9 Lite FM.

To learn more about Lincoln Park Zoo, ZooLights, and other upcoming events, visit lpzoo.org.

About Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo inspires communities to create environments where wildlife will thrive in our urbanizing world. The zoo is a leader in local and global conservation, animal care and welfare, learning, and science. A historic Chicago landmark founded in 1868, the not-for-profit Lincoln

Park Zoo is a privately-managed, member-supported organization and is free and open 365 days a year. Visit us at lpzoo.org.