Your 2024 ZooLights Guide

Believe it or not, the holidays are coming up quickly, and it’s time to solidify your seasonal plans. If you already have tickets for ZooLights Presented by ComEd and Invesco QQQ, you’re ahead of the game. If you haven’t gotten your tickets yet, what are you waiting for?

This year—for its 30th anniversary—ZooLights features more than 3 million lights, along with familiar and new illuminated experiences, from the 65-foot-long light tunnel on Main Mall to the Light Lounge! As you prepare for your visit to this wintry wonderland, here’s everything you need to know in 2024.

New! Get Live Info Quickly

Need to know what’s happening while you’re on grounds for ZooLights? Go to the Lincoln Park Zoo web app at go.lpzoo.org! No download is needed, but you’ll get immediate access to a ZooLights interactive map and can buy tickets right there.

Dates

ZooLights begins Friday, November 15, and ends Sunday, January 5. It is closed on Tuesdays (buyouts are available on these nights), Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve. Select Mondays are free nights but require advance registration.

ZooLights will also be closed to the general public on Thursday, December 12, for Adults Night Out: Holidaze Presented by On The Rocks Premium Cocktails and -196 Vodka Seltzer—but you can always buy a ticket, if you’re over 21, and join the party!

Hours

All ZooLights nights begin at 4:30 p.m. On Sundays, weeknights, and January evenings, ZooLights is open until 9 p.m.

On Fridays, Saturdays, and premium nights, ZooLights remains open until 10 p.m.

Please note:

The zoo closes at 3 p.m. daily for the duration of ZooLights. All guests must leave the grounds until ZooLights opens at 4:30 p.m. at which point a ticket is required.

To pass the time, we recommend a trip to one of our neighbors in Lincoln Park; members receive discounts at a number of local eateries, including Vanille Patisserie, Aloha Eats, and Green Tea Japanese Restaurant.

Enter ZooLights through the East Gate, West Gate, or Fisher Bridge Gate.

Pricing

Tickets are $7–10, with free admission on select Mondays. Tickets for free nights become available one week in advance at 11 a.m. View the full calendar at tickets.lpzoo.org.

Tickets for the Endangered Species Carousel, Lionel Train Adventure, Gorilla Trek, and the Ferris Wheel cost $4 each; get 10 for $36 or 20 for $69. All attractions cost 1–2 tickets.

Discounts:

Members receive four to eight free ZooLights tickets for free, depending on membership level, as well as 20% off additional tickets.

Members also receive discounts on attraction tickets. They can purchase 10 for $34 and 20 for $64.

Not a member? Join now!

Proposals and Packages:

Looking to host a holiday celebration or propose to someone during ZooLights? Contact us at groupsales@lpzoo.org to learn about your package options for turning the night into something unforgettable.

Special ZooLights Nights

Thursday, November 14 | Member Preview Night

Friday, November 15 | ZooLights Opening Night

Wednesday, December 4 | Sensory-Friendly Night at ZooLights

Other Holiday Happenings:

Thursday, December 12 | Adults Night Out: Holidaze Presented by On the Rocks Premium Cocktails and -196 Vodka Seltzer, 21+ after-hours event (separate ticket required, 6:30–10 p.m.)

Sunday, December 8 | The Chris White Trio Tribute to A Charlie Brown Christmas (multiple shows; separate ticket required)

Lincoln Park Zoo Gifting Guide

Make some progress on that holiday shopping list while you’re here. We have some great gifts for zoo lovers, including a special limited-edition 30th anniversary collection!

What’s New in 2024

Every year, ZooLights receives updates to keep its holiday offerings fresh and fun for all. This year, enjoy the celebration-themed light displays on the South Lawn or visit the Gift Shop for a special ZooLights merchandise collection celebrating 30 years of this event.

Or, visit the new Light Lounge at Foreman Pavilion. There, you can play with the interactive light wall, relax in glowing seats that let you decompress from the hustle and bustle of the holidays, and buy festive drinks and snacks.

Classic ZooLights

You’ll recognize some of the traditional themed light displays and attractions, from wrapped trees to the dragon guarding the South Pond and the giant bear near Brauer Gate. The 165-foot-long light tunnel on Main Mall is back, along with the light and sound show on the South Lawn and the fun displays at Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo. At Pepper Family Wildlife Center, you can also find the 18-foot holiday tree, but holiday photo ops can be found all over the zoo.

Food and Drink

Zoo Foods:

Find your food fix at Snowy’s Spirits & S’more atop the Gift Shop, or visit Park Place Café for food court-style dining. Snack stands are located on Main Mall east of Kovler Seal Pool. You can also buy concessions at Eadie Levy’s Landmark Café in the heart of the zoo, Safari Café on the north side, and the Light Lounge on the south side.

Adult Beverages:

For cocktails, beer, and wine, visit the Light Lounge, Snowy’s Spirits & S’more, Park Place Café, and Safari Café. Pro tip: Try the mulled wine, a favorite for those in the know!

Hot Chocolate:

If you’re looking for hot chocolate, you can visit the Landmark Café, Park Place Café, Safari Café, and hot cocoa stations around the zoo. You’ll find theese stations at the Member Center, Regenstein Center for African Apes, Regenstein African Journey, and Main Mall. And yes, spiked hot chocolate is also available.

Entertainment

Buy tickets to enjoy rides like the Endangered Species Carousel, Lionel Train Adventure, Gorilla Trek VR experience, and the seasonal Ferris wheel. They cost $4 each, but you can also get 10 for $36 or 20 for $69.

Free on-site activities include ice carving from Arctic Artists on Fridays and Saturdays, photos with Santa through December 23 at Pepper Family Wildlife Center, and strolling carolers on Sundays starting at 5 p.m. Cookie decorating is a nightly paid experience that features Mrs. Claus on Fridays–Sundays at Park Place Café.

The Zoo at Night

The evening experience at Lincoln Park Zoo offers its own enchantment among the lights. The animals here have choice and control in their environments, and may to remain in view or go to behind-the-scenes areas as they desire. Some do like cold weather, so they may be out and about.

If you’re interested in connecting with the natural world while you’re on grounds, please note:

• McCormick Bird House and Farm-in-the-Zoo will not be open during ZooLights.
• On $7 weeknights, zoo buildings close at 8:30 p.m., a half hour before ZooLights does.
• On $10 weekend nights and special nights, animal buildings start closing at 9 p.m., an hour before the event ends. Regenstein Center for African Apes and Helen Brach Primate House close first.
• Pepper Family Wildlife Center will remain open until the end of the event.

Have a marvelously merry time at ZooLights, and happy holidays to all!