Brookfield Zoo Christmas Lights 2026
Dates checked 4 Nov 2026
Brookfield Zoo's holiday lights, a Chicago-area tradition for more than 40 years, fill the zoo with themed areas of giant displays, light tunnels, a maze and animal-shaped lights, plus s'mores, a holiday market and visits with Santa. Several animal houses stay open in the evening.
| Dates | November 21, 2026 to January 3, 2027 |
|---|---|
| Open Days | Closed Thu, Nov 26, Mon, Nov 30, Tue, Dec 1, Wed, Dec 2, Mon, Dec 7, Tue, Dec 8, Wed, Dec 9, Mon, Dec 14, Tue, Dec 15, Wed, Dec 16, Thu, Dec 24, Fri, Dec 25 |
| Hours | Open nights 3 pm to 9 pm Dec 3 is a sensory-friendly night with dimmer lights and softer music. A 21-and-over Sip & Stroll evening is held on Nov 20. |
| Tickets | Tickets from $29.95; free for zoo members at the Main-North Gate. Advance tickets and parking reservations are required at the South Gate (2026) |
| Type | Zoo lights |
| Where | Brookfield Zoo Chicago, in the western suburbs about 14 miles from the Loop, 8400 31st St, Brookfield, IL 60513 |
Checked on Brookfield Zoo Chicago, November 4, 2026. Buy tickets from the organizer's own site.
Where Is Brookfield Zoo Christmas Lights?
Loading the map…
See Hotels Near Brookfield Zoo Christmas Lights affiliate
Christmas Markets Near Brookfield Zoo Christmas Lights
Randolph Street Holiday Market
Chicago, Illinois
Nov 14 to Dec 13, 2026
Open Saturdays and Sundays only. Closed Sat, Nov 21, Sun, Nov 22, Sat, Nov 28, Sun, Nov 29, Sat, Dec 5, Sun, Dec 6
10 miles away
Jack Frost Christmas Pop-Up Fulton Market
Chicago, Illinois
2026 dates not announced yet
10 miles away
One of a Kind Holiday Show
Chicago, Illinois
Dec 3 to 6, 2026
11 miles away
Chicago Christmas Market
Chicago, Illinois
Nov 20 to Dec 24, 2026
11 miles away
Other Light Shows Near Brookfield
Chicago Zoo Lights
Chicago, Illinois
Nov 20, 2026 to Jan 3, 2027
Zoo lights · 12 miles away
Morton Arboretum Christmas Lights
Lisle, Illinois
Nov 14, 2026 to Jan 2, 2027
Botanical garden lights · 12 miles away
Chicago Botanic Garden Christmas Lights
Glencoe, Illinois
Nov 13, 2026 to Jan 3, 2027
Botanical garden lights · 22 miles away
Christmas Markets and Lights Near Chicago
Questions About Brookfield Zoo Christmas Lights
When is Brookfield Zoo Christmas Lights open in 2026?
November 21, 2026 to January 3, 2027. Closed Thu, Nov 26, Mon, Nov 30, Tue, Dec 1, Wed, Dec 2, Mon, Dec 7, Tue, Dec 8, Wed, Dec 9, Mon, Dec 14, Tue, Dec 15, Wed, Dec 16, Thu, Dec 24, Fri, Dec 25. Hours: Open nights 3 pm to 9 pm.
How much are tickets for Brookfield Zoo Christmas Lights?
Tickets from $29.95; free for zoo members at the Main-North Gate. Advance tickets and parking reservations are required at the South Gate (2026). Prices as published by the organizer for 2026.
Is Brookfield Zoo Christmas Lights a drive-through?
No: it is a zoo lights event that you see on foot.