# Lincoln Park ZooLights

> Event for families in the Chicago–Naperville–Elgin area (IL / IN). Times are Central Time.

- When: Nov 20 – Jan 3 · 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM
- Where: Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
- Ages: All ages (children under 1 free; stroller-friendly paved zoo paths)
- Price: Tickets $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.
- Organizer: Lincoln Park Zoo
- Official page: https://www.lpzoo.org/event/zoolights/
- 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/lincoln-park-zoolights--listing-a46f5e5b30aed379a1b63656

## About

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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