Lincoln Park ZooLights
Through Jan 3Nov 20 – Jan 3 · 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM · Nov 20, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027; nightly 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM (last entry 8:00 PM). Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and select Tuesdays (Dec 1, 8, 15). Free admission Mondays on Nov 23, Nov 30, Dec 7, and Dec 14 with advance reservation. Sensory-friendly night on Dec 2.
Lincoln Park Zoo2001 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614 · 3.0 mi approx. from ChicagoDirections
All ages (children under 1 free; stroller-friendly paved zoo paths)
From $7Tickets $7–$12 in advance ($20 same-day/flexible admission); free on select Mondays with advance registration; children under 1 free. Ferris wheel and carousel rides require separate ride tickets.
About this adventure
Celebrating its 32nd annual season, Lincoln Park ZooLights illuminates the heart of Chicago with more than three million glowing LED lights, synchronized musical light tunnels, and dazzling 3D animal lanterns. Families can stroll through the historic grounds to experience festive holiday attractions including the 65-foot Ferris wheel overlooking the glittering city skyline, a whimsical light maze, professional live ice carving demonstrations, the AT&T Endangered Species Carousel, and festive carolers. Select sensory-friendly nights offer adjusted sound levels and reduced crowds for neurodivergent children. Warm up with decadent hot chocolate, spiced cider, and sweet churros while exploring heated indoor animal pavilions such as the Regenstein Center for African Apes and the Kovler Lion House. While the zoo is usually free during the day, evening ZooLights admission requires fixed-date tickets starting at $7–$12, with complimentary free-admission nights offered on select Mondays with required advance reservation. Stroller-friendly paved pathways wind throughout the entire event.
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