Imagine millions of lights, twinkling in creative displays that celebrate the festive season. Now, blend in your family’s favorite place for experiencing unique and fascinating animals. Together, you have ZooLights Presented by ComEd and Invesco QQQ at Lincoln Park Zoo!
Once again, Lincoln Park Zoo will be illuminated throughout the holiday season when its annual ZooLights event returns on select dates between Nov. 19, 2022 and Jan. 8, 2023.
“Visitors can come enjoy more than 2.5 million lights all over the grounds, which is very exciting,” says Gretchen Kirchmer, Director of Marketing and Events at the Lincoln Park Zoo. “With the zoo being in the heart of Chicago, right on the lake, it’s so impressive to see the skyline on the south side. If you’re looking for a ‘wow’ moment this holiday, you can find it here when you walk in and see all the lights.”
Make your way through the massive Grand Tunnel, which is a new addition this year, and see hundreds of 3D and LED displays in themed neighborhoods around the zoo. These include the Candyland Light Show Sponsored by UChicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital on the Winter Wonderlawn, the Tunnel of Love, Santa’s Workshop, and more.
“All of these different areas have lots of photo opportunities and cool places to hang out with your family and friends,” she says. “You can make some great memories and start new traditions at ZooLights.” So, if you’re hoping for some Instagram-worthy pics this holiday season, the zoo is the place to snap a few.
Take a photo with Santa through Dec. 23 before he returns to the North Pole, witness live ice carving on Fridays and Sundays and experience the sound of Christmas carolers roaming throughout the zoo on Sundays before Christmas.
Bird’s Eye Bar & Grill will be transformed into Snowy’s Spirits and S’more if you’re in the mood for festive drinks and snacks.
Additional attractions
For a fee of $4 for one ticket, $36 for 10 tickets and $69 for 20 tickets, visitors can enjoy several ticketed attractions. You can buy these tickets at the event.
Hop on the AT&T Endangered Species Carousel for one ticket. Or, take a ride on the Lionel Train Adventure for one ticket. This family-friendly train ride, located near the zoo’s west entrance, is great for wee ones.
Take a ride on the 65-foot Ferris wheel to enjoy the skyline views for two tickets, or make your way through the Light Maze Presented by Invesco QQQ for one ticket. You can grab 3D Holospex glasses at both of these attractions.
Make s’mores at Snowy’s for two tickets when you feel like having a snack.
Guests also have a unique opportunity to Light Up the Lawn. This experience returns for a second year and allows visitors to “flip the switch” on the Winter Wonderlawn at 4:30 p.m. daily to kick off the light show, Kirchmer says.
The price to participate begins at $250 on weekdays and $350 on weekends, except for Opening Day (Nov. 19) which is $500. For availability and pricing, contact events@lpzoo.org.
Planning your visit
ZooLights runs 4:30-10 p.m. each evening — except for Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Admission to ZooLights is $5 per person on Tuesdays-Sundays, but it’s free admission on Mondays. Tickets are still required on free nights. Free night tickets are released a week in advance (on the prior Tuesday) with limited quantities available.
Members have early access to book their tickets and enjoy two free nights. There is a members-only preview night on Nov. 18 and a members-only night on Dec. 14.
Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Content brought to you by the Lincoln Park Zoo. To register for ZooLights, visit the ZooLights page on the zoo’s website.
