Chicago Zoo Lights 2026
Dates checked 4 Nov 2026
Lincoln Park Zoo's holiday tradition lights the zoo with more than 3 million lights, a light tunnel and hundreds of LED displays, with a Ferris wheel, carousel and fire pits for s'mores. It runs nightly except a few closed dates from late November to early January.
| Dates | November 20, 2026 to January 3, 2027 |
|---|---|
| Open Days | Closed Thu, Nov 26, Tue, Dec 1, Tue, Dec 8, Tue, Dec 15, Thu, Dec 24, Fri, Dec 25 |
| Hours | Every open night 4:30 pm to 9 pm Last entry at 8 pm. Members' preview on Nov 19, a sensory-friendly night on Nov 24 and an adults-only night on Dec 10 are special ticketed events. Open on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. |
| Tickets | Ticket needed. Every visitor needs a ticket: fixed-date tickets $7 to $12 in advance, $20 on the day; flexible tickets $20; free with a reservation on Mondays except Dec 21 and 28 (2026) |
| Type | Zoo lights |
| Where | Lincoln Park Zoo, on the North Side lakefront, 2001 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614 |
Checked on Lincoln Park Zoo, November 4, 2026. Buy tickets from the organizer's own site.
Where Is Chicago Zoo Lights?
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Questions About Chicago Zoo Lights
When is Chicago Zoo Lights open in 2026?
November 20, 2026 to January 3, 2027. Closed Thu, Nov 26, Tue, Dec 1, Tue, Dec 8, Tue, Dec 15, Thu, Dec 24, Fri, Dec 25. Hours: Every open night 4:30 pm to 9 pm.
How much are tickets for Chicago Zoo Lights?
Ticket needed. Every visitor needs a ticket: fixed-date tickets $7 to $12 in advance, $20 on the day; flexible tickets $20; free with a reservation on Mondays except Dec 21 and 28 (2026). Prices as published by the organizer for 2026.
Is Chicago Zoo Lights a drive-through?
No: it is a zoo lights event that you see on foot.