7 Things to Do When It’s Freezing Cold at ZooLights

Chicagoans are a hardy bunch and can bear (pun intended) all temperatures, especially when there are holiday traditions to celebrate! But we know not every evening of ZooLights Presented by ComEd and Invesco QQQ can be a mild, clear 45-degree evening. Regardless of weather, holiday cheer awaits—cold weather doesn’t have to be a deterrent to enjoying the seasonal spirit at Lincoln Park Zoo.

Maximizing the warming activities at ZooLights can make your experience even brighter in contrast with the weather!

1. Visit Santa Claus at Pepper Family Wildlife Center.

Through December 23, you can visit St. Nick himself! Have your children tell Santa what gifts they want, view and take pictures of the zoo’s holiday tree, and have professional photos taken (they are available for purchase). While you’re at it, you can also keep an eye on the two lion prides in their habitats, which feature temperature-controlling elements.

2. Visit the animals!

Animal habitats are open during ZooLights! Take these self-guided tours to get the most out of your time in zoo buildings. Animals here have choice and control over whether they wish to be seen and some may choose to be out of view on ZooLights nights. However, others might be easier to see in the evening. For example, check in on the nocturnal species in Regenstein Small Mammal-Reptile House. It’s a great place to take off your coat and bask in the warmth—just like reptiles do. Animals are endlessly interesting, and videos being shown in the space will entertain people of all ages.

3. Enjoy warm drinks and s’mores.

While you’re walking around in the chilly weather, you can keep your body temperature up with favorite seasonal drinks available at the zoo’s food stations and hot chocolate stands around the zoo. You can also grab s’mores kits for a price at Snowy’s Spirits & S’more and roast your marshmallows around a roaring fire pit. Mulled wine and spiked hot cocoa are among the offerings that will keep your insides glowing.

4. Grab some gifts for zoo lovers at the Gift Shop!

If you’re looking for a quick break from the wind and cool temperatures, stop in and do a little shopping in a heated space! From cute sweatshirts and plushes to books, ornaments, and beauty items, the zoo’s Gift Shop is a great place to get something brilliant for the animal lovers in your life.

5. Warm up in the Member Lounge.

Membership has its advantages at Lincoln Park Zoo, and one of them is access to the Member Lounge near the East Gate. Enjoy free hot chocolate while you take advantage of more private restroom facilities and furniture you can stretch out on. As part of the zoo family, you can make this place your base of operations or meeting spot—and buy an Adopt an Animal plush package while you are here.

6. Get a hot meal at Park Place Café.

If you’re at ZooLights from start (4:30 p.m.) to finish (9 p.m. or 10 p.m., depending on the day of the week), you may want to sit down and have a meal while you’re here. Park Place Café, featuring stations for Mexican food, pasta, grilled foods, sandwiches, and more, is a perfect spot to get filling and comforting foods that will fuel your night at the zoo. While you’re feeling full and toasty indoors, enjoy the following activity:

7. Decorate some cookies, also at Park Place Café!

For a small fee, you can spend some time nourishing your creative spirit—and your belly. You’ll receive cookies as well as decorating materials, and you can hang out in the zoo’s former aquarium and reptile house making fun designs on a most delicious canvas. Do it as a family, get messy, and take your treats home! On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays until December 22, Mrs. Claus herself will be on hand to help.