ZooLights Brings the Holiday Spirit to Lincoln Park Zoo

CHICAGO (November 11, 2025) – Celebrate the festive holiday season with friends and family at Lincoln Park Zoo’s annual ZooLights Presented by Invesco QQQ and ComEd, opening November 21. This beloved staple of Chicago’s holiday season will delight guests of all ages with festive attractions and more than 3 million lights across zoo grounds.

Guests will experience hundreds of nostalgic LED light displays, ethereal and interactive elements, and memory-making holiday experiences throughout the zoo. They can take in stunning views of ZooLights from above on the towering Ferris Wheel and walk through the expansive light tunnel on Main Mall.

Visitors will encounter festive photo ops as they wander through the zoo, plus professional ice carvers and roaming Victorian carolers on select nights. Pepper Family Wildlife Center will transform into the North Pole, hosting visits with Santa alongside the zoo’s holiday tree and festive décor. New this year is Zooltide, a reimagined light show on South Lawn, narrated in both English and Spanish.

“ZooLights Presented by Invesco QQQ and ComEd is the highlight of Lincoln Park Zoo’s event calendar each year, and we’re so excited to welcome guests back for another fabulous season of holiday magic,” said Senior Event Manager Meg Hein. “Whether your idea of a perfect holiday evening is sipping hot cocoa and looking at lights, snapping festive photos, dancing with the family, or cheersing drinks with your fellow holiday-loving adults, there’s sure to be a perfect ZooLights offering for you!”

For the first time this year, guests have the option of purchasing Flexible Admission tickets. This new option can be used any day during the ZooLights season, ensuring guests can avoid sellouts and bad weather. Flexible Admission tickets cost $20. The traditional Fixed Date ticket option is still available for guests who know what day they want to come on and cost $7 to $12, depending on the date. With the exception of December 22, Mondays at ZooLights are free with registration. These tickets are released one week in advance at 11 a.m.

On top of the thrilling holiday light displays, guests will also be able to enjoy a tasty assortment of food and drinks at Edie Levy’s Landmark Café. A holiday-themed rooftop pop-up bar will be offering festive cocktails, hot drinks, and fire pits for roasting s’mores, plus stunning aerial views of the lights on Main Mall. Hot cocoa and snack stations will be located around the zoo for visitors looking to quickly satisfy their sweet tooth. The Light Lounge at Foreman Pavilion will offer a family-friendly area with special food and drink offerings and glowing furniture for a fun contemporary vibe.

Ticket sales from ZooLights directly support the zoo’s world-class animal care, global conservation efforts, and innovative learning programs. Events like this also help keep the zoo free to the public 365 days a year.

Tickets for ZooLights are on sale now. See the full schedule and buy tickets at tickets.lpzoo.org. Lincoln Park Zoo members will also receive a special preview night and discounts throughout ZooLights. Not a member? Join today at lpzoo.org/membership!

ZooLights runs from 4:30 to 9 p.m. every night. ZooLights is closed on Tuesdays except Dec. 23. ZooLights opens to the public on Friday, Nov. 21 and closes after Jan. 4, 2026. ZooLights will not be open Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.

ZooLights Presented by Invesco QQQ and ComEd is once again powered by green, renewable power. All the lights are energy-saving LEDs and are powered by wind energy.

SPECIAL OFFERINGS AND EVENTS DURING ZOOLIGHTS PRESENTED BY INVESCO QQQ AND COMED

In addition to the nightly lights and music displays ZooLights is known for, Lincoln Park Zoo will also present a series of special events including adults-only events, seasonal music, and more.

Sensory-Friendly Night

Lincoln Park Zoo will host its annual Sensory-Friendly Night at ZooLights on Tuesday, November 25. During this special evening, guests of all ages can experience ZooLights while all moving lights remain static or are greatly slowed down. Music will be played at a reduced volume, and guests are encouraged to wear noise reduction headphones if they’d prefer silence. This is a perfect evening to attend for anyone looking for a more serene ZooLights experience. Tickets are required and are $7 per person. Learn more about the zoo’s accessibility offerings at lpzoo.org/access. 

Tuesday, December 2: Holiday Market: A Nowhere Collective Collaboration

New this year, guests can browse one-of-a-kind upcycled wonders created by local artisans and knock out their holiday shopping—all while enjoying millions of lights along the way.

Sunday, December 7: The Chris White Trio Tribute to A Charlie Brown Christmas (multiple shows)

Back for an encore at Café Brauer, guests will be tapping their toes during this soulful jazz tribute to a favorite holiday classic. The matinee performance in Pepper Family Wildlife Center features the same fabulous musical performance, plus a special appearance by Santa, a hot chocolate and cookie bar, and entry to ZooLights!

Thursday, December 11: Adults Night Out: Holidaze Presented by Grey Goose Vodka and Patrón Tequila

Guests ages 21 years and older can enjoy a night full of entertainment, including a DJ on Main Mall, millions of lights, delicious holiday spirits, roasted s’mores, photo ops galore, and so much more, all without the kids or crowds. This event also includes animal chats, complimentary caricatures, and unlimited attractions. Tickets start at $20, and the event begins at 6:30 p.m. Food and drink are available for purchase.

Sunday, December 21: Elf Movie Party at ZooLights (multiple shows) 

New this year, Alamo Drafthouse and Lincoln Park Zoo are partnering to bring guests of all ages an interactive screening of the holiday classic Elf. Enjoy games, props, and access to ZooLights after the movie. There is a matinee show at 2:30 p.m. and an evening show at 5 p.m.

Wednesday, December 31: New Year’s Eve at ZooLights

Back by popular demand, New Year’s Eve at ZooLights offers a unique and glittery experience for all. Guests can ring in the new year on their family’s schedule, with hourly countdowns surrounded by the ZooLights glow.

PROPOSALS AND PRIVATE RENTALS

Thinking of popping the question? Looking to host a holiday celebration? The zoo offers unforgettable holiday packages for those looking for a unique and intimate way to celebrate the season. Interested parties can find out more by contacting groupsales@lpzoo.org.

ZooLights is produced by Illuminight Holiday Lighting.

About Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo inspires communities to create environments where wildlife will thrive in our urbanizing world. The zoo is a leader in local and global conservation, animal care and welfare, learning, and science. A historic Chicago landmark founded in 1868, the not-for-profit Lincoln Park Zoo is a privately-managed, member-supported organization and is free and open 365 days a year. Visit us at lpzoo.org.

• Click here to download ZooLights B-roll