The East Gate light up during ZooLights, featuring a glowing sign spelling out "#ZooLights"

Calendar & Events

Featured Events

ZooLights Presented by Invesco QQQ and ComEd

November 21–January 4

Chicagoland’s favorite holiday tradition is back and brighter than ever! Enjoy more than 3 million lights, hundreds of nostalgic LED displays, and festive experiences that capture the magic of the season.
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Holiday Market: A Nowhere Collective Collaboration

Tuesday, December 2

Browse one-of-a-kind handcrafted wonders created by local artisans and knock out your holiday shopping—all while enjoying the 3+ million lights of ZooLights Presented by Invesco QQQ and ComEd along the way.

The Chris White Jazz Trio Tribute to A Charlie Brown Christmas

Sunday, December 7

Experience the Chris White Jazz Trio’s performance of Vince Guaraldi’s classic soundtrack, A Charlie Brown Christmas. Perfect for all ages, this toe-tapping, heartwarming tribute is your chance to sing along and soak up the spirit of the season.

Adults Night Out: Holidaze Presented by Grey Goose Vodka and Patrón Tequila

Thursday, December 11

Don we now our ugly sweaters for the holly-est, jolly-est night of the year at Lincoln Park Zoo! Enjoy an exclusive after-hours holiday party for the 21+ crowd in the glow of 3+ million lights. Enjoy festive music, warm food and drinks, games, holiday characters, and a variety of photo ops.

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Second Saturday Garden Tours

Second Saturday Each Month: April–November

Join fellow nature lovers for a free guided tour of Lincoln Park Zoo’s diverse plant life and ecosystems.

Memory Enrichment

Third Friday of Each Month

Memory Enrichment at Lincoln Park Zoo is a free, welcoming program for people living with dementia and their loved ones and care partners.

Member Preview Night at ZooLights Presented by Invesco QQQ and ComEd

Thursday, November 20

Be the first to experience the magic of ZooLights at Member Preview Night! Members can enjoy free train and carousel rides, a special 20% discount at the Gift Shop, and free hot chocolate, coloring sheets, and crafts at the Member Center!

Sensory-Friendly Night at ZooLights Presented by Invesco QQQ and ComEd

Tuesday, November 25

On this special night at ZooLights, all blinking and moving lights will be static or greatly slowed down, and music softened or silenced, perfect for a less-stimulating visit.

Elf Movie Party at ZooLights

Sunday, December 21

Get ready for an interactive movie experience packed with games, props, and—of course—singing loud for all to hear at the Elf Movie Party at ZooLights, co-hosted with Alamo Drafthouse!

Programs

Reading to the Animals

Mondays in July

Young readers and their families can drop by Farm-in-the-Zoo on Monday mornings in July to practice reading to each other and the animals—a friendly and nonjudgmental audience! Picnic blankets and books will be available.

LEAP: Learn, Explore, and Play

Select Dates

Join us for a morning of investigating and exploring the natural world through play. Children guide the way as they choose whether to dig in the dirt, manipulate loose parts, create a collaborative work of art, or settle in with a story underneath a canopy of colorful fabric.

Family Workshops

Select Dates

Join Lincoln Park Zoo’s Child and Family Learning team for a morning of nature play! We’ll discover the benefits of playing in and with nature, explore some of our favorite materials and activities, and send you home with resources and inspiration.

Conservation Camp

Summer 2025;
9 a.m.–3 p.m. weekdays

Campers, rising grades PreK-5, will explore the zoo and learn about animals and how we care for them. They’ll also make new friends and spend time outdoors.

Children laughing and playing

Summer Zoo Crew

July 7–August 16; 9 a.m.–3 p.m. each day

Through team-building and immersive learning, campers entering grades 6–8 in the fall will explore the relationships between animals, humans, and ecosystems.

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