ZooLights Celebrates 30 Years of Holiday Magic at Lincoln Park Zoo

CHICAGO (September 19, 2024) – Celebrate three decades of priceless holiday memories as Lincoln Park Zoo’s annual ZooLights Presented by ComEd and Invesco QQQ returns for its 30^th year this November. This beloved staple of Chicago’s holiday season will delight guests of all ages with festive attractions and more than 3 million lights across zoo grounds.

This year’s ZooLights puts an exciting, modern spin on the classic event with hundreds of LED light displays. Guests will be immersed in ethereal and interactive elements and holiday experiences throughout the zoo. They can take in stunning views of ZooLights from above on the towering Ferris Wheel and walk through the expansive light tunnel on the Main Mall.

Visitors will encounter festive photo ops as they wander through the zoo, plus professional ice carvers and roaming Victorian carolers on select nights. The Pepper Family Wildlife Center will transform into the North Pole, hosting visits with Santa alongside the zoo’s holiday tree and festive décor.

“We’re honored that ZooLights Presented by ComEd and Invesco QQQ has been a part of so many families’ memories over the past 30 years, and we’re excited to make even more memories for years to come,” said Event Manager Meg Hein. “We’re ready to welcome everyone back this holiday season as Lincoln Park Zoo transforms into a magical winter wonderland in the heart of Chicago!”

New this year is the Light Lounge at Foreman Pavilion. Whether guests are enjoying ZooLights with kids in tow or taking in the lights as a group of adults, the Light Lounge is a great place to rest and recharge. The space will offer family-friendly interactive light toys and activities, plus a lounge area with special food and drink offerings for a more adult vibe.

Guests will also be able to enjoy a tasty assortment of food and drinks at Edie Levy’s Landmark Café. Snowy’s Sprits & S’more is a holiday-themed pop-up bar with festive cocktails, hot drinks, and fire pits for roasting s’mores. Hot cocoa and snack stations will be located around the zoo for visitors looking to quickly satisfy their sweet tooth.

Ticket sales from ZooLights directly support the zoo’s world-class animal care, global conservation efforts, and innovative learning programs. Events like this also help keep the zoo free to the public 365 days a year.

General admission ZooLights tickets are $7-10 per person, depending on the day. As part of the zoo’s ongoing commitment to accessibility, general admission is FREE on select Mondays, but tickets are required. Tickets will be available to the general public October 8, with a special presale for zoo members on October 1. See the full schedule and buy tickets at tickets.lpzoo.org.

Lincoln Park Zoo members will also receive a special preview night and discounts throughout ZooLights. Not a member? Join today at lpzoo.org/membership!

ZooLights runs from 4:30 to 9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 4:30 to 10 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Thanksgiving Eve (Nov. 27). ZooLights is closed on Tuesdays. ZooLights opens to the public on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024 and closes after Jan. 5, 2025. ZooLights will not be open Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve.

ZooLights Presented by ComEd and Invesco QQQ is once again powered by green, renewable power. All the lights are energy-saving LEDs and are powered by wind energy.

ZOOLIGHTS PRESENTED BY COMED AND INVESCO QQQ SPECIAL OFFERINGS

In addition to the nightly lights and music displays ZooLights is known for, Lincoln Park Zoo will also present a series of special events including adults-only events, seasonal music, and more.

ZooLights Free Admission Mondays

ZooLights will offer FREE admission on Mondays on Nov. 18 and 25 and Dec. 2, 9, 16, and 30. All regular ZooLights hours and ticketed attractions apply and food and beverage is available for purchase. Admission to the event is free but tickets are required for all guests, including infants.

Sensory-Friendly Night

Lincoln Park Zoo will host its annual Sensory-Friendly Night at ZooLights on Wednesday, Dec. 4. During this special evening, guests of all ages can experience ZooLights while most lights remain static, and those that do move will be slowed down or turned off. Music will be played at a reduced volume, and guests are encouraged to wear noise reduction headphones if they’d prefer silence. This is a perfect evening to attend for anyone looking for a more serene ZooLights experience. Tickets are required and are $7 per person.

Rides and Special Attractions

Those looking for some extra fun during ZooLights are invited to hop on and enjoy a ride on the beloved Endangered Species Carousel, take a journey on the Lionel Train Adventure kiddie train, or immerse themselves in the Gorilla Trek VR experience. The Ferris Wheel is also back during ZooLights. One ticket ($4) required per guest per attraction for most attractions; Ferris Wheel and Gorilla Trek require two tickets ($8) per guest. Guests interested in attraction ticket packages can purchase them online in advance or at numerous locations inside the zoo.

HOLIDAY EVENTS

Each of these special winter events offer a unique holiday experience.

Sunday, December 8: The Chris White Trio Tribute to A Charlie Brown Christmas (multiple shows)

Back for an encore at Café Brauer, guests will tap their toes during this soulful jazz tribute to a favorite holiday classic. This year, enjoy a matinee performance in Pepper Family Wildlife Center, complete with hot chocolate bar and entry to ZooLights! 

Thursday, December 14: Adults Night Out: Holidaze Presented by On The Rocks Premium Cocktails and -196 Vodka Seltzer

Guests ages 21 years and older can enjoy a night full of entertainment, including a DJ on Main Mall, millions of lights, delicious holiday spirits, roasted s’mores, photo ops galore, and so much more, all without the kids or crowds. This event also includes animal chats, complimentary caricatures, and unlimited access to the Endangered Species Carousel and Ferris Wheel. Tickets start at $20, and the event begins at 6:30 p.m. Food and drink are available for purchase.

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 produced by Illuminight Holiday Lighting.

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.

• Click here to download ZooLights B-roll