Lincoln Park Zoo Lights presented by ComEd and Invesco QQQ
November 17, 2023 @ 4:30 pm - January 7, 2024 @ 10:00 pm
Dates, Hours and Cost
Tickets Required For All Ages
Mondays: Free Admission
Most weeknights: $7
Fridays, Saturdays, and Premium Dates (November 22, December 31): $10
Sunday–Thursday: 4:30–9:00 p.m.
Friday–Saturday: 4:30–10:00 p.m.
Closed Dates
Thursday, November 23 (Thanksgiving Day)
Sunday, December 24 (Christmas Eve)
Monday, December 25 (Christmas Day)
Special Notes:
Special Events happening at LPZ for Zoolights:
| DATE | EVENT | TIMES |
| Wednesday, December 6 | Sensory-Friendly Night | 4:30 – 9 p.m. |
| Sunday, December 10 | The Chris White Trio Tribute to A Charlie Brown Christmas (multiple shows at different times) | Matinee 3 – 4 p.m. | Cost $55
General Admission $30 & VIP $45 Two shows 6 – 7 p.m. or 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. |
| Thursday, December 14 | Adults Night Out: Holidaze | 6:30 – 10 p.m. |
| Sunday, December 31 | Family-Friendly New Year’s Eve with countdowns every hour | 4:30 – 9 p.m. |
New Light Displays
- The new and modern “IllumiNature” display in Children’s Zoo that will feature a unique experience walking through and under light spheres, light poles and fogging crescents.
- Garden Glow Light Show
- Two interactive touch-light walls
New Programming & Attractions
- Cookie decorating with Mrs.Clause in the Macaque Boardroom
- Weds, Thurs and Sunday (2 attraction tickets)
- Favorite Holiday Characters throughout the week on selected nights
- Live Music in Safari Tent
- Acapella Carolers
Continuing Programming
- Photos with Santa (Lion House)
- Ice carvers every weekend
- Victorians Carolers
- Stilts Walker dress as the Nutcracker or Elf on the Shelf
- 65 Foot Ferris Wheel
Special Event Notes
Sensory Friendly Night
Lincoln Park Zoo is offering Sensory-Friendly ZooLights, in which guests with disabilities, sensitivities, autism, dementia, or chronic illness as well as members of the deaf community can experience the zoo grounds, animal buildings, and holiday lights in a comfortable and inclusive environment.
Sensory-Friendly ZooLights is for all people who benefit from visiting the zoo without crowds and other sensitive environmental elements. Modifications include limited capacity, static light displays, muted attractions, and music at low volume.
The Chris White Trio Tribune to A Charlie Brown Christmas
Cost $55: The matinee performance will take at Pepper Family Wildlife Center and enjoy these classic tunes alongside the trio of growing lion cubs! The ticket includes hot cocoa/cookies for the family and admission to Zoo lights.
The 6 – 7 p.m. or 7:30 – 8:30 p.m shows will take in place in the beautiful Café Brauer where Snoopy will be in attendance dancing and taking photos with guests. If you purchase the VIP ticket for $45 you can get a drink voucher and get seated in the first two rows.
Adults Night Out: Holidaze
Join us for the final 21+ event of 2023—Adults Night Out: Holidaze! Enjoy unique animal chats with keepers, a live DJ, and food and bar locations throughout the zoo amid the magic of millions of holiday lights.
Activities Include:
- Live ice carving from amazing local artists
- Free rides on the AT&T Endangered Species Carousel
- Pop-up bars and snack carts with plenty of food and beverage available for purchase
- Complimentary admission to specialty attractions such as the Ferris wheel and the Light Maze Presented by Invesco QQQ
- Visits with everyone’s favorite furry green Whoville resident, which will make your heart grow three sizes!
Looking for even more excitement? Upgrade to the VIP experience! Whether you upgrade or not, you can feel super jolly about joining us, as proceeds from all tickets help Lincoln Park Zoo stay free and open 365 days a year.
VIP Zoo Crawl, hosted by the Auxiliary Board
$95 for Early Bird VIP purchase
$120 for VIP until the event
The VIP Zoo Crawl ticket includes everything in the general admission experience PLUS:
- Take a break from the Chicago winter elements at cozy heated spaces throughout the zoo
- Warm your belly with exclusive covered bars offering complimentary festive alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks
- Savor the taste of the holiday season with food stations serving complimentary small bites
- Listen to exclusive chats from zoo scientists dedicated to saving wildlife
- Special pricing on all items at the Gift Shop to finish off your holiday shopping!
- Slip into VIP fast lanes for the Ferris Wheel from 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Family-Friendly New Year’s Eve
Celebrate New Year’s Eve at the Zoo! Live countdowns hourly starting at 6 p.m. to enjoy all the family fun of New Year’s Eve. Champagne and sparkling juice available, DJs playing music and tons of fun.
