Bring the family to experience Zoo Lights at Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo December 8-January 7 and stay at the nearby and affordable Chicago Lake Shore Hotel in historic Hyde Park!
A Chicago holiday tradition that helps keep Lincoln Park Zoo free and open 365 days a year, Zoo Lights illuminates the zoo with more than 2.5 million lights and hundreds of dynamic displays. This FREE event transforms Lincoln Park Zoo into a twinkling winter wonderland for 35 nights complete with visits from Santa (until Dec. 23), ice sculptors, festive activities and sweet treats of all kinds. Zoo Lights runs from 4:30 to 9 p.m.
Festival Activities: Photos with Santa (through December 23 before he heads back to the North Pole); incredible 3D displays; warm spiced wine, frosty beers and festive specials; delicious holiday snacks; holiday gift shopping; live ice-sculpture carving (Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays and Family Night Mondays); strolling carolers (Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Family Night Mondays); ticketed experiences such as the Endangered Species Carousel, Lionel Train Adventure, Ferris wheel, Light Maze Presented by Invesco QQQ, Sea Explorer 5D; musical light shows at the Winter Wonderlawn; Candy Cane Lane and more than 100 giant, and themed displays. 3D holiday specs are available while supplies last.
Enjoy Breakfast with Santa on Sunday, December 16, 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. seating. Enjoy quality family time with Kris Kringle with a delicious seasonal breakfast and complimentary cookie decorating for kids. Buy tickets today for one of four limited-capacity seating at landmark Café Brauer, located next to the zoo’s Nature Boardwalk.
The Lincoln Park Zoo is located at 2001 North Clark Street. For tickets to Breakfast with Sant, go online to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/breakfast-with-santa-tickets-49910901851 and follow the prompts.
Make your Zoo Lights at Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo experience more enjoyable by staying at the Chicago Lake Shore Hotel, in historic Hyde Park. Chicago Lake Shore offers free shuttle bus service to and from the Loop area and is close to bus and train services. The Lake Shore Café offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. AND Jazz and seafood buffet (non-seafood items available) Friday nights.