Chicago ZooLights 2024-2025

Linkoln Park Zoo is not only one of the biggest and oldest zoos in the USA, but it also boasts some perfect winter scenery

Best time: November 15, 2024–January 5, 2025

As a highlight of the beginning of the winter holiday season, Lincoln Park Zoo puts up spectacular lights all around the zoo. It is a perfect place to get into the Christmas mood, especially considering there is free admission on selected Mondays.

Chicago ZooLights Program

Visitors to ZooLights can immerse themselves in the holiday spirit by enjoying fun holiday pop-ups, a light lounge, live ice carving, rides and attractions, cookie decorating, seasonal character performances, and strolling carolers. Additionally, be sure to take photos with Santa and visit special events, such as Sensory Friendly Night, The Chris White Jazz Trio Tribute to A Charlie Brown Christmas, and Adults Night Out.

Tickets

General admission on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays is $5.60 for members and $7 for nonmembers; on Fridays, Saturdays, and Select Nights it's $8 for members and $10 for nonmembers. Most Mondays are free with advanced registration, except for Monday, December 23. ZooLights does not operate on all Tuesdays, Thursdays (including November 28), and Wednesdays, December 25.

Lincoln Park Zoo

The Zoo is occupying 14 hectares od beautiful park land. Founded in 1868, it is among the oldest of zoos in the United States. And it's also one of the few free zoos in the world. Animal exhibits include big cats, polar bears, penguins, gorillas, reptiles, and monkeys. There are about 1,100 animals from 200 species. Also. there is a burr oak tree which dates to 1830, before the city of Chicago was founded.