Ignite the Night With 2 Million Lights

Lincoln Park Zoo transformed last week into a winter wonderland.

This year mark's its 18th for ZooLights, which is sponsored by ComEd and Charter One. The luminous land debuted the day after Thanksgiving with two million lights, including larger-than-life animals and seasonal features. The free, family-oriented event lasts throughout the holiday season, coming to a close on Sunday Dec. 23 and reopening from Dec. 26 to Jan. 6.

Seasonal features, activities and sweet treats are offered throughout the zoo and the first 1,000 visitors each night receive a free pair of 3D glasses for what zoo officials call "a truly magical light display experience." 

READ: Second Gorilla in 1 Month Born at Lincoln Park Zoo

There will be photos with Santa in the Kovler Lion House through Dec. 23, as well as holiday crafts and shopping. Some new features this year include giant character displays and glittering light tunnels. 

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"Take a chilly spin on the AT&T Endangered Species Carousel, learn some pointers from ice sculpture experts, and be dazzled by a shimmering light show choreographed to holiday music on the zoo’s South Lawn," show coordinators said, in a news release.

ZooLights runs every Friday, Saturday and Sunday between 5 p.m. and 9 .m. through Dec. 23 and from Dec. 26 to Jan. 6.

Featured Fun

• Photos with Santa through Dec. 23.
• Free holiday crafts.
• Animal encounters.
• New 3-D displays.
• Warm spiced wine and frosty lagers.
• Delicious dinner and snacks.
• Holiday gift shopping.
• Live ice carving every night.
• Carousel and train rides.
• Musical light show.

Special Events

• ZooLights Coat Drive: Throughout ZooLights, the zoo will be collecting new and gently used winter clothing. Donated items will be distributed to Chicago charities. Donation boxes will be located in Gateway Pavilion and Park Place Café.

• Friday Night Lights, Polar Party: Provides kids an opportunity to explore the world of polar animals. Children will learn through play as they move and communicate like a penguin, get down to the roots of polar bear fur and imagine what life is like at the north and south poles, according to the news release. The Friday night program is offered Dec. 7 and Dec. 21 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. and is $16 for non-members, $13 for members. Advance registration is required. Visit the ZooLights portion of the website for more information.

• 93.9 Lite FM: The Holiday Lite will be at ZooLights with Edison the Lite-Nosed Reindeer to hand out candy and holiday goodies from 5 p.m.–7 p.m. on December 1, 9 and 15.

• New Year’s Eve: Guests receive complimentary party hats and horns.

Win a behind-the-scenes zoo tour by completing a ZooLights survey!

For additional information, visit www.lpzoo.org or call 312-742-2000.