Holiday Magic® Returns Brighter Than Ever to Brookfield Zoo Chicago with All-New Displays, Interactive Experiences and Festive Delights

Holiday Magic® Returns Brighter Than Ever to Brookfield Zoo Chicago with All-New Displays, Interactive Experiences and Festive Delights

Chicagoland’s longest-running holiday lights festival features over 3.5 million lights, the largest display of decorated holiday trees, a new sensory-friendly night, added experiences and more!

Holiday Magic tickets available now for select dates now through January 4

Brookfield, IL—Chicagoland’s most dazzling holiday tradition is back and brighter than ever! Holiday Magic® at Brookfield Zoo Chicago returns reimagined for 2025, transforming the zoo into a winter wonderland illuminated by over 3.5 million twinkling lights and the region’s largest display of decorated holiday trees. Now through January 4, guests can stroll through breathtaking new light displays and interactive experiences that bring the season’s sparkle to life like never before.

This year’s Holiday Magic introduces an array of first-time offerings designed to make every visit unforgettable—from roasting s’mores at cozy fire pits and renting private heated igloos to enjoying live carolers and the all-new holiday-themed dolphin show. Families can also look forward to a sensory-friendly night for guests of all abilities, expanded festive food options and countless photo opportunities throughout the illuminated grounds. Tickets are on sale now for select dates, inviting everyone to celebrate the joy, warmth and wonder of the holidays at Brookfield Zoo Chicago.

“Each year we strive to make Holiday Magic more memorable, and this season we’ve elevated every detail to create an experience that feels both nostalgic and brand new,” said Andrea Rodgers, senior vice president of guest experience and operations at Brookfield Zoo Chicago. “It’s about bringing people together in a setting filled with light, laughter and connection. Whether guests come to marvel at the displays, enjoy a warm treat or venture indoors to see some of their favorite animals after dark, we want them to leave feeling the true spirit of the season—knowing that their visit helps fuel our mission to care for wildlife and nature and inspire conservation action.”

Brookfield Zoo Chicago has also unwrapped a sleigh full of surprises for Chicagoland’s longest-running holiday lights festival, including new Holiday Magic experiences and interactive light displays made possible by presenting sponsors ComEd and Meijer. Guests can roast marshmallows at s’mores stations; reserve a heated retreat at the new Holiday Igloo; explore a brand-new maze of lights; walk through new areas like a Candy Land path, underwater jelly area and Candy Cane tunnel; play illuminated tic-tac-toe and more! There are also new animal encounters in store, as bottlenose dolphins and their animal care team welcome guests to Overwater Viewing at Dolphin Bay from 6-8 p.m. on select dates (Dec. 4, 11, 18 and 29-31 plus Jan. 1-4).

On December 4, Brookfield Zoo Chicago will hold its first sensory-friendly Holiday Magic. The modified evening will feature dimmed lights, softer music and reduced visual effects to offer a calmer, more comfortable environment for guests of all ages and sensory needs. This experience is presented in partnership with KultureCity as part of the Zoo for All initiative, which underscores the Zoo’s commitment to build an inclusive conservation movement. A dedicated sensory-friendly space will be available on all Holiday Magic dates at Hamill Family Play Zoo.

“For more than 40 years, Holiday Magic has been where Chicagoland comes together to celebrate wonder, connection and community,” said Michael Garvey, village president of Brookfield. “It’s a reminder that the brightest part of the season isn’t just the lights. It’s the neighbors and people who share them, just as the Village and Brookfield Zoo Chicago have celebrated the holiday season side by side for generations.”

Holiday Magic will also feature beloved experiences that generations have cherished year after year. Returning favorites include photos with Santa (select dates), the Holiday Market featuring Zoo-inspired gifts, Letters to Animals mailbox, express North Pole mailbox for Letters to Santa and more. While located in new areas of the Zoo, light displays will again include 300 feet of light tunnels with portions synchronized to seasonal sounds, a 16-foot-tall LED gingerbread house, a 41-foot-tall tree adorned with colored LED lights amongst many other spectacular sights.

Brookfield Zoo Chicago will be open from 3-9 p.m. on designated Holiday Magic dates, with the following indoor habitats open until 8:30 p.m.: Australia, Dolphin Bay Underwater Viewing, Gorilla Conservation Center, Hamill Family Play Zoo and The Living Coast. Guests can also explore Big Cats and Hamill Family Wild Encounters along with paid attractions like the Carousel, Penguin Encounters and virtual reality Elf Power experience. Animal visibility is not guaranteed and may vary in outdoor habitats depending on weather.

Holiday Magic began on November 21 and continues weekly Thursday through Sunday until December 21, with the exception of Thanksgiving. New this year, Holiday Magic will extend into the new year, remaining open daily from December 26 through January 4. Brookfield Zoo Chicago members receive free admission and North Gate parking on Holiday Magic dates. Guests are reminded that the Zoo will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Holiday Magic tickets and additional information are available now at brookfieldzoo.org/HolidayMagic.

Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s calendar is packed with holiday happenings. Guests interested in creating more merry memories at the Zoo this season are invited to join for Holly Jolly Gingerbread Party on December 6 and Dinner with Santa on December 19-21. More information about these events and upcoming celebrations at Brookfield Zoo Chicago is available at brookfieldzoo.org/events.


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