CHICAGO (September 19, 2024) – Lincoln Park Zoo will celebrate three decades of holiday festivities as ZooLights returns for its 30th year this November. This annual event will feature more than 3 million lights across the zoo grounds and various festive attractions.
This year's ZooLights introduces hundreds of LED light displays, offering guests immersive and interactive elements throughout the zoo. Visitors can enjoy views from a towering Ferris Wheel and walk through an expansive light tunnel on the Main Mall.
The event will include festive photo opportunities, professional ice carvers, and Victorian carolers on select nights. The Pepper Family Wildlife Center will transform into the North Pole, featuring visits with Santa Claus alongside holiday 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 additions this year include the Light Lounge at Foreman Pavilion, offering family-friendly interactive light toys and activities along with special food and drink offerings for adults. Edie Levy’s Landmark Café will provide a variety of food and drinks, while Snowy’s Spirits & S’more pop-up bar will serve festive cocktails, hot drinks, and fire pits for roasting s’mores.
Ticket sales from ZooLights support animal care, conservation efforts, and educational programs at Lincoln Park Zoo. General admission tickets range from $7-10 per person depending on the day, with free admission available on select Mondays.
ZooLights runs from November 15, 2024 to January 5, 2025. The event is open Sunday-Thursday from 4:30 to 9 p.m., Fridays-Saturdays from 4:30 to 10 p.m., but closed on Tuesdays as well as Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve/Day, and New Year’s Eve.
ZooLights features energy-saving LED lights powered by wind energy. Special events include adults-only nights and seasonal music performances. Free admission is offered on Mondays in November (18th & 25th) and December (2nd, 9th,16th &30th), though tickets are required for all guests including infants.
A Sensory-Friendly Night is scheduled for December 4th where lights remain static or slowed down with reduced volume music for a serene experience; tickets are $7 per person.
Additional attractions include rides such as the Endangered Species Carousel ($4), Lionel Train Adventure kiddie train ($4), Gorilla Trek VR experience ($8), Ferris Wheel ($8). Attraction ticket packages are available online or onsite.
Special winter events feature:
- December 8: Chris White Trio Tribute to A Charlie Brown Christmas.
- December14: Adults Night Out: Holidaze presented by On The Rocks Premium Cocktails & -196 Vodka Seltzer
For private proposals or holiday celebrations at ZooLights contact Illuminight Holiday Lighting or visit Lincoln Park Zoo's website for more information about upcoming events.
Lincoln Park Zoo inspires communities toward wildlife conservation within urban environments since its founding in1868.The not-for-profit zoo remains free to public every day thanks largely due member support.