ZooLights Presented by ComEd and Charter One

November 29–December 1; December 6–8, 13–23; December 26–January 5, 2013–14

Join us for the brilliance of this annual fun, free, family-oriented holiday celebration, featuring luminous displays and holiday-season activities throughout zoo grounds.

We’ll flip the on switch for the free holiday fun on November 29. Afterward, ZooLights will shine Friday–Sunday until December 13, at which point the lights be on nightly (except December 24 and 25) until January 5. Santa heads back to the North Pole after December 23, however.

5–9 p.m.

Festive Activities

Photos with Santa through December 23
Free holiday crafts
Animal encounters
New 3-D displays
Warm spiced wine and frosty lagers
Delicious dinner and snacks
Holiday gift shopping
Live ice carving every night
Carousel and train rides
Musical light show

Special Events

November 29: Help us flip the switch! At 4:55 p.m. we will hold a lighting ceremony at the Kovler Sea Lion Pool to kick off the festivities.

New Year’s Eve: We will distribute complimentary party hats and horns to our visitors.

Members Lounge at ZooLights

The glittering light shows aren’t the only luminaries at ZooLights Presented by ComEd and Charter One. Members will once again receive VIP treatment during this year’s festivities, with exclusive access to the Members Lounge in the Tadpole Room on the lower level at Park Place Café from 5–8 p.m. Warm up with free hot chocolate, cider and tea, cookies and crafts!

ZooLights Coat Drive

Throughout ZooLights, we will be collecting new and gently used winter clothing. Donated items will be distributed to Chicago charities. Donation boxes will be located in Gateway Pavilion and Park Place Café.

ZooLights Presented by ComEd and Charter One