25th Annual ZooLights Events and Activities At Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo’s 25th annual ZooLights, presented by ComEd and Invesco QQQ, helps keep Lincoln Park Zoo free and open 365 days a year. Photo Credit: Lincoln Park Zoo / Julia Fuller
Lincoln Park Zoo’s 25th annual ZooLights, presented by ComEd and Invesco QQQ, helps keep Lincoln Park Zoo free and open 365 days a year. Photo Credit: Lincoln Park Zoo / Julia Fuller

25th Annual ZooLights Events and Activities At Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo’s 25th annual ZooLights, presented by ComEd and Invesco QQQ, is a Chicago holiday tradition that helps keep Lincoln Park Zoo free and open 365 days a year. In addition to the ongoing light displays, guests can attend several special events throughout the season: including BrewLights (Dec. 12), Chris White Trio Tribute to “A Charlie Brown Christmas” (Dec. 15), Breakfast with Santa (Dec.15) and Zoo Year’s Eve (Dec. 31).

Zoolights is free entry

ZooLights illuminates the zoo with more than 2.5 million lights and hundreds of dynamic displays. This FREE event transforms Lincoln Park Zoo into a twinkling winter wonderland for 28 nights complete with visits from Santa (through Dec. 23), ice sculptors (weekends), carolers (weekdays), festive activities and sweet treats of all kinds. ZooLights is also sponsored by Louis Glunz Beer, Inc., 93.9 Lite FM, and Pepsi.

ZooLights Family Nights are back by popular demand Mondays, Dec. 16, 23 & 30. These fun-filled evenings include all regular ZooLights activities along with FREE rides on the AT&T Endangered Species Carousel and Lionel Train Adventure. On these nights, kids also eat FREE at Park Place Café (one free limited kid’s menu item with paid adult entrée or combo meal). Lincoln Park Zoo members of all levels can enjoy free parking on Family Nights, too.

Ticketed holiday happenings

Light Maze presented by Invesco QQQ takes guests on an enlightening journey! Get lost in a maze of 30,000 LED lightbulbs at Foreman Pavilion. This ticketed experience returns to the zoo for a third year and will run every night of ZooLights.

Holiday favorite BrewLights presented by Louis Glunz Beer, Inc. returns to the zoo on Dec. 12 from 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Guests ages 21+ will forage for local craft and seasonal beers amidst the dazzle of ZooLights. Enjoy photos with Santa at the Helen Brach Primate House, free rides on the AT&T Endangered Species Carousel, live music, and more! Food is available for purchase. This event is hosted by the Auxiliary Board of Lincoln Park Zoo, and every pour supports their generous pledge to The Pride of Chicago capital campaign – now in its final phase of renovating the lion house!

Making the long journey all the way from the North Pole, Santa Claus is coming to town! Enjoy Breakfast with Santa at the landmark Café Brauer. Guests will savor a delicious brunch with the big man in red himself while taking in the beautiful views Nature Boardwalk has to offer. There will be four seatings on Dec. 15 starting at 9 a.m. Adults (age 13 and older) are $45, children (ages one to 12) are $20 and tiny tots (12 months and younger) are free. All children will enjoy a complimentary cookie decoration station.

The Chris White Trio Tribute to “A Charlie Brown Christmas” is back for an encore! Guests will tap their toes during this soulful jazz tribute to a favorite holiday classic. The event will feature shows at 5 and 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 15 at Café Brauer with tickets beginning at $25. Start a new holiday tradition this year!

There’s no better way to ring in the New Year than at Zoo Year’s Eve! This adults-only celebration counts down to 2020 with DJ entertainment, games, and giveaways in the glow of ZooLights. Food and alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. The event runs from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Early-bird tickets begin at $10.

More

Thinking of popping the question? Propose in the perfect setting! The zoo is offering an unforgettable engagement package for couples looking for a sparkling and magical setting for their wedding proposal. Interested parties can find out more by contacting the zoo’s Private Events Department at groupsales@lpzoo.org.

Learn more at lpzoo.org.

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