ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo's holiday lights tradition with millions of lights, a Ferris wheel and ice carving.
- Dates: November 20, 2026–January 3, 2027
- Where: Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N Clark St
- Neighborhood: Lincoln Park
- Cost: Ticketed
What to expect
Open 4:30–9 p.m. nightly, last entry 8 p.m. LED displays, a light tunnel, skyline views from the Ferris wheel, Santa visits and a holiday pop-up bar.
Tickets
Everyone needs a ticket, kids included, per the zoo. Fixed-date tickets are $7–12 in advance depending on the night or $20 day-of; flexible tickets are $20. Mondays Nov 23, Nov 30, Dec 7 and Dec 14 are free with a reservation, released a week ahead at 11 a.m. Tickets are nonrefundable.
Transit
#22 Clark or #151 Sheridan bus.
Family-friendly
A Chicago family classic.
Local tips
- Free Monday reservations open a week ahead at 11 a.m. and go fast.
- Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, plus some Tuesdays in December. Check the zoo's calendar before a Tuesday visit.
- Limited paid parking in the zoo lot on Cannon Drive.
Frequently asked questions
When is ZooLights 2026?
Friday, November 20, 2026 through Sunday, January 3, 2027, from 4:30 to 9 p.m. nightly with last entry at 8 p.m., per the zoo.
Which nights is it closed?
Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, plus some Tuesdays in December. It's open New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
Is ZooLights free?
Only on Mondays Nov 23, Nov 30, Dec 7 and Dec 14, and you still need a reservation. Other nights are ticketed, $7–20 per person.