Chicago’s favorite holiday tradition is about to glow even brighter. ZooLights Presented by Invesco and ComEd returns to Lincoln Park Zoo on Friday, November 20, 2026, transforming the zoo into a sparkling wonderland with more than 3 million lights and hundreds of nostalgic LED displays.
Guests can wander through a light tunnel wrapped in twinkling lights, climb aboard the Ferris wheel for a breathtaking view of the glowing grounds and the Chicago skyline, and gather around cozy fire pits for s’mores. Along the way, hot chocolate and fresh churros keep everyone warm while roaming carolers fill the air with holiday music.
On select nights, live ice carvers turn blocks of ice into frosty works of art right before your eyes, with more surprise entertainment sprinkled throughout the season. The celebration runs nightly from 4:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. through January 3, 2027.
Tickets range from $7 to $20 depending on the date, and admission is free with registration on Mondays (excluding December 21 and 28). A Lincoln Park Zoo staple and one of the city’s most beloved family traditions, ZooLights is back to light up the holiday season in the heart of the city.
Photo: Lincoln Park Zoo
