Event · Community

Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo Chicago

When

Sat, Nov 21 · 3:00 PM–9:00 PMNov 21–25 and 27–29; Dec 3–6, 10–13, 17–23 and 26–31, 2026; Jan 1–3, 2027; 3–9 p.m.

Where

Brookfield Zoo Chicago3300 Golf Road, Brookfield, IL 60513Open in Google Maps ↗

Ages

All ages

Cost

Tickets starting at $29.95 / Free with MembershipSensory Friendly Holiday Magic on Thursday, December 3, 2026 with dimmed lights and softer music (KultureCity partnership).

Organizer

Brookfield Zoo Chicago

Upcoming dates: Sat, Nov 21 · Sun, Nov 22 · Mon, Nov 23 · Tue, Nov 24 · Wed, Nov 25 · Fri, Nov 27 · Sat, Nov 28 · Sun, Nov 29 · Thu, Dec 3 · Fri, Dec 4 · Sat, Dec 5 · Sun, Dec 6 · Thu, Dec 10 · Fri, Dec 11 · Sat, Dec 12 · Sun, Dec 13 · Thu, Dec 17 · Fri, Dec 18 · Sat, Dec 19 · Sun, Dec 20 · Mon, Dec 21 · Tue, Dec 22 · Wed, Dec 23 · Sat, Dec 26 · Sun, Dec 27 · Mon, Dec 28 · Tue, Dec 29 · Wed, Dec 30 · Thu, Dec 31 · Fri, Jan 1 · Sat, Jan 2 · Sun, Jan 3

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 maze and animal-themed light sculptures. Families can roast s'mores, dance in a retro Christmas area, ride the hand-carved carousel (weather permitting), shop a holiday market and warm up in open animal buildings such as the Hamill Family Play Zoo, Tropic World (until 7 p.m.), The Swamp and Australia House. Santa visits on select nights between November 21 and December 23, mostly 4–8:30 p.m. Hours are 3–9 p.m. on operating nights. Tickets start at $29.95 and are free for members; at the Main Entrance admission and parking can be bought online or on arrival, while South Gate entry requires advance tickets and parking reservations. A Sensory Friendly Holiday Magic evening on Thursday, December 3 dims lights, lowers music and reduces effects, in partnership with KultureCity.