ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo's holiday lights tradition with millions of lights, a Ferris wheel and ice carving.

  • Dates: Late November 2026 – early January 2027 — dates TBA
  • Where: Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N Clark St
  • Neighborhood: Lincoln Park
  • Cost: Ticketed

What to expect

LED displays, a light tunnel, skyline views from the Ferris wheel, Santa visits and a holiday pop-up bar.

Tickets

Ticketed (about $7–10 in recent years); free on select Mondays with a reserved ticket

Transit

#22 Clark or #151 Sheridan bus.

Family-friendly

A Chicago family classic.

Local tips

  1. Free Mondays still need tickets and go fast.

Frequently asked questions

When does ZooLights 2026 open?

Dates haven't been announced. Recent seasons ran from mid/late November through the first weekend of January.

Official festival information