# Brookfield Zoo Holiday Magic > Event for families in the Chicago–Naperville–Elgin area (IL / IN). Times are Central Time. - When: Nov 21 – Jan 3 · 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM - Where: Brookfield Zoo Chicago, 8400 31st St, Brookfield, IL 60513 - Ages: All ages (children under 2 free; expansive stroller-friendly grounds with open heated buildings) - Price: Adults $29.95; Children (ages 3–11) $20.95; Seniors (65+) $24.95; Children under 2 free. Brookfield Zoo members receive free admission. Standard vehicle parking fees apply ($17–$20). - Organizer: Chicago Zoological Society / Brookfield Zoo Chicago - Official page: https://www.brookfieldzoo.org/holidaymagic - Last checked: Wed, Nov 4 Source: Grassy Knees is a directory of real family events, places and programs for kids across major U.S. metro areas, where every listing is researched from the organizer’s own page and shows the date we last checked it. https://grassyknees.com covers 42 metro areas as of Nov 11, 2026, with more added regularly. About: https://grassyknees.com/about Freshness: listings are re-checked on a daily research run (latest check 2026-11-10), and new events are added as organizers post them. Sell-outs, weather cancellations and time changes show up on the live page first: https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/brookfield-zoo-holiday-magic--listing-2afb4381b4d4334bbbc2f5a3 ## About Brookfield Zoo Chicago's Holiday Magic marks its 45th anniversary season as Chicagoland's longest-running holiday lights festival. Over two million twinkling LED lights decorate the 216-acre zoo grounds, anchored by a mesmerizing 600-foot 'Tunnel of Lights' synchronized to upbeat holiday classics, a 41-foot talking animated Christmas tree, giant lighted animal sculptures (bison, giraffes, lions, and bears), and live ice-carving demonstrations. Children can play games on the interactive light floor, take a spin on the historic carousel, and explore the winter skating rink on the East Mall. Unlike outdoor-only light trails, Holiday Magic allows families to step into warm indoor exhibits to view cold-sensitive creatures—including Tropic World (primates), Hamill Family Play Zoo, The Swamp, and Desert's Edge. Festive food and beverage stalls serve steaming funnel cakes, hot chocolate, spiced cider, and holiday spirits. Advance timed-entry admission and parking reservations are required for all non-members. ## Similar picks in Chicago - [Lincoln Park ZooLights](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/lincoln-park-zoolights--listing-a46f5e5b30aed379a1b63656) — Nov 20 – Jan 3 · 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM · Lincoln Park Zoo · All ages · From $7 · checked Nov 4. 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Now in its 14th year, Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum in west-suburban Lisle turns 50 acres of majestic living trees into a breathtaking wonderland of light… - [Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo Chicago](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/holiday-magic-at-brookfield-zoo-chicago--listing-6c1d944d38f3ac8a384ca8f7) — Sat, Nov 21 (+31 more dates) · 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM · Brookfield Zoo Chicago · All ages · From $29.95 · checked Oct 16. Brookfield Zoo Chicago's Holiday Magic, now in its fifth decade, turns the zoo into an evening light festival with larger-than-life holiday displays, glowing tunnels, an expanded… - [Meet Santa Claus at Holiday Magic — Brookfield Zoo](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/meet-santa-claus-at-holiday-magic-brookfield-zoo--listing-7977d5ae547a5e393c0cc11b) — Sat, Nov 21 (+16 more dates) · 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM · Brookfield Zoo Chicago — Pachyderm area · All ages · With admission · checked Oct 27. 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