Neighborhood News: Lincoln Park Zoo’s ZooLights a generational delight with free Mondays, pictures with Santa, holiday pop-ups
In a cold and snowy Chicago winter, thirty years ago, ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo, 2400 N. Cannon Drive, transformed the world -famous Zoo into a twinkling winter wonderland complete with festive holiday activities.
The 2025-26 edition of Chicago’s beloved Zoolights festival is running through January 4, from 4:30pm–9 pm daily. Bigger and better than ever, ZooLights features more than 3 million lights across zoo grounds, festive holiday light displays in every corner, and hosts several nightly events and special film and adults-only events. Among the many highlights, according to the website:
Zooltide South Lawn Light Show
Stop by the South Lawn to catch the new Zooltide Light Show, narrated in both English and Spanish.
Live Ice Carving
On Friday and Saturday nights, watch professional artists work their magic to sculpt frosty masterpieces.
Light Lounge
Get your glow on in the Light Lounge with vibrant glowing furniture and treat yourself to hot cocoa and snacks.
Photos With Santa
Experience a magical moment and visit Santa through December 23, when he heads back to the North Pole! Professional photos will be available for purchase.
Holiday Bites and Bevs
Cozy up by the fire and roast s’mores, fuel your winter adventure with warm churros, and sip on hot cocoa and mulled wine at select locations throughout the zoo.
Free Admission Mondays
With the exception of December 22, Mondays are free with registration.
NOTE: Tickets for Free Admission Mondays will be released one week in advance at 11 am.
Eats at the Zoo
On top of the thrilling holiday light displays, guests will also be able to enjoy a tasty assortment of food and drinks at Edie Levy’s Landmark Café. A holiday-themed rooftop pop-up bar will be offering festive cocktails, hot drinks, and fire pits for roasting s’mores, plus stunning aerial views of the lights on Main Mall. Hot cocoa and snack stations will be located around the zoo for visitors looking to quickly satisfy their sweet tooth. The Light Lounge at Foreman Pavilion offers a family-friendly area with special food and drink offerings and glowing furniture for a fun contemporary vibe.
Cookie Decorating
Create a sweet masterpiece at the cookie-decorating station! Choose from a range of festive shapes, colorful icings, and fun toppings, perfect for kids and kids at heart. And on the weekends, you and your family can meet Mrs. Claus on Fridays-Sundays through December 21.
Adventures for 2025
Holiday Market: A Nowhere Collective Collaboration
Tuesday, December 2, 5:30pm–9pm
A festive shopping experience at Holiday Market: A Nowhere Collective Collaboration, “where twinkling lights meet local delights!” Local artisans rtisans have transformed reclaimed materials into one-of-a-kind wonders and shop their handcrafted wares like home goods, garden gear, art, fashion, bath and body items, and more.
The Chris White Jazz Trio Tribute to A Charlie Brown Christmas
Sunday, December 7
Celebrate the holidays with a jazzy twist! Experience the Chris White Jazz Trio’s performance of Vince Guaraldi’s classic soundtrack, A Charlie Brown Christmas. The Trio will give afternoon and evening performances to sing along and soak up the spirit of the season.
All tickets include:
- Entry to the performance
- Complimentary hot cocoa and cookies
- Cash bar and light snacks for purchase
- Dancing with Snoopy
- Special appearance by Santa
For tickets and more information, click here.
Sunday, December 21
Elf Movie Party
Get ready for an interactive movie experience packed with games, props, and—of course—singing loud for all to hear at the Elf Movie Party at ZooLights, co-hosted with Alamo Drafthouse!
Tickets for ZooLights
Ticket sales from ZooLights directly support the zoo’s world-class animal care, global conservation efforts, and innovative learning programs. Events like this also help keep the zoo free to the public 365 days a year.
General admission ZooLights tickets are $7-10 per person, depending on the day. As part of the zoo’s ongoing commitment to accessibility, general admission is FREE on select Mondays, but tickets are required.
For the first time this year, guests have the option of purchasing Flexible Admission tickets. This new option can be used any day during the ZooLights season, ensuring guests can avoid sellouts and bad weather. Flexible Admission tickets cost $20. The traditional Fixed Date ticket option is still available for guests who know what day they want to come on and cost $7 to $12, depending on the date. For tickets and information, click here.
Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago
