ZooLights Chicago at Lincoln Park Zoo is a favorite holiday tradition. The free Lincoln Park Zoo is open every day of the year, and it’s particularly fun during the holiday season.
This favorite destination lights up both literally and figuratively with ZooLights and is one of the many things to do in Chicago in winter.
What is ZooLights?
Lincoln Park ZooLights is an annual family-friendly festival and tickets are $5 a person (no matter what age). The zoo is lit up with over two million lights and every tree in the park is draped with strands.
There are also free nights on Mondays. Tickets are required and will be available mid-October.
TLTip: If you take the kids to see Santa Claus he’ll be in the Kovler Lion House. If your children misbehave you can threaten them with more than just coal…
When is ZooLights?
Lincoln Park Zoo ZooLights 2022 runs 4 to 10 p.m. on Nov. 19-23, 25-30, Dec. 2-13, 16-23, 26-31, and Jan. 1.
Members-only nights are November 18 and December 14.
The zoo will close 3 p.m. from November 17 through January 2 for the event. It will reopen at 4:30 for ZooLights.
Can You See the Animals at ZooLights?
Most of the outside yards are empty during ZooLights, but all the exhibit houses are open. Not only can you go inside to warm up, but you can also marvel at giraffes, penguins, gorillas, lions, and any of the other myriad animals that call the zoo home.
Related: Your Chicago Guide to Lincoln Park Zoo
Is There Ice Skating at ZooLights?
No. But here are other places to go ice skating in Chicago!
When Are the Special Events at ZooLights?
There are several special events at ZooLights. Most of these require tickets, which means you can only enter if you’ve purchased one.
ZooLights 2022 Dates
ZooLights runs from 4 to 10 p.m.
- Members-Only Night at ZooLights: November 18 & December 14
- ZooLights Free Nights: Nov. 21 and 28 and Dec. 5, 12, 19 and 26
- Sensory-friendly Hours: Nov. 29 and Dec. 15 from 4 to 6 p.m.
- Adults Night Out: Holidaze: December 15, 6:30–10 p.m.
- BrewLights Presented By Louis Glunz Beer, Inc: Thursday, December 1
- Chris White Trio Tribute to “A Charlie Brown Christmas”: December 11, two shows
- Zoo Year’s Eve at ZooLights: Tuesday, December 31, 9 p.m. – 1 a.m.
How Much do the Lincoln Park ZooLights Attractions Cost?
Tickets for ZooLights attractions cost $4 for one ticket, $36 for 10 tickets, and $69 for 20 tickets.
Light Maze Presented by Invesco QQQ: Light Maze is a safe, beautifully-lit path sure to rouse holiday spirits. Get your 3D Holospex® Glasses at this attraction. 1 ticket per person
S’mores at Snowy’s: wood burning fire pit. 2 tickets per person
Ferris Wheel: Glide above the lights and take in zoo, park and skyline views on this classic ride. Get your 3D Holospex® Glasses at this attraction. 2 tickets per person
Lionel Train Adventure: a short, family-friendly train ride near the West Gate entrance. 1 ticket per person
AT&T Endangered Species Carousel: Hop aboard your favorite carousel animal: lion, seal, ostrich, and more! 1 ticket per person
How Do You Get to ZooLights?
Lincoln Park Zoo is between North Avenue and Fullerton Avenue and between Cannon Drive and Lake Shore Drive. With its location off of Lake Shore Drive, the zoo is accessible by car.
There’s free street parking, but that’s limited and fills up quickly. You can also use the lot at the zoo itself or the Lincoln Park garage located at North and Clark.
Find discounted parking near Lincoln Park Zoo with Spothero:
Public transportation is easily available and you can plan your visit with Google maps. Burn some calories by using the Divvy bike-sharing system, or make somebody else drive and take a taxi or a ride-share service.
Click here for more favorite Chicago Christmas traditions!