When is ZooLights 2026?

From Friday, November 20, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027, 4:30 to 9 pm with last entry at 8 pm.

Are the zoo lights in Chicago free?

On most Mondays, yes: every Monday except December 21 and 28. The free tickets are released one week in advance at 11 am Central and go fast. Other nights cost $7–$12 in advance.

How much does ZooLights cost?

$7–$12 for a fixed-date ticket bought ahead, $20 on the same day or for a flexible ticket you can use any night. Parking is extra.

What time do Lincoln Park Zoo lights start?

At 4:30 pm, when it gets dark in Chicago in December; the lights stay on until 9 pm.

Is ZooLights worth it?

At $7 in advance it's the best-value light show in Chicago: tunnels of light, glowing animal figures and warm drinks along a lakefront zoo. Dress for the cold and book ahead — same-day tickets cost almost three times as much.

Photo: spurekar · CC BY 2.0

Zoo · Lincoln Park Zoo · Ticketed

Lincoln Park ZooLights 2026

Chicago's free zoo on the lakefront covered in lights after dark — tunnels of colour, trees lit in pinks and blues, glowing animal figures and warm drinks along the paths. Ticket prices are low and some Mondays are free.

Nov 20, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027

Google 4.6 ★ · 39,423 reviews

At a glance

2026 dates: Friday, November 20, 2026 – Sunday, January 3, 2027
Hours: 4:30–9 pm, last entry 8 pm
Tickets: $7–$12 for a fixed date bought in advance, $20 on the day or for a flexible date
Free Mondays: Free admission on Mondays except Dec 21 and 28; free tickets are released a week ahead at 11 am CT
Parking: Paid, in the zoo lot on Cannon Drive, not included in the ticket

Is it worth it?

The classic Chicago Christmas evening with kids — come on a free Monday if you can.

What visitors say

The zoo itself is one of Chicago's favourite free places — green, well kept and easy to walk. Parking is the pain point: it's limited and paid, so the bus or a walk from the neighbourhood is easier.

Lakefront zoo lit up
Cheap tickets, free on most Mondays
Warm drinks along the way
Walkable from Lincoln Park

Getting there and getting in

Parking is limited and paid, in the zoo lot on Cannon Drive, and isn't included in the ticket.

Worth knowing

Tickets are non-refundable and the date can't be changed.
Strollers and wagons are allowed, but busy nights are tight to steer through.

Open in Google Maps

Zoo parking lot — Cannon Drive (paid)

Official site

Questions people ask

When is ZooLights 2026?: From Friday, November 20, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027, 4:30 to 9 pm with last entry at 8 pm.
Are the zoo lights in Chicago free?: On most Mondays, yes: every Monday except December 21 and 28. The free tickets are released one week in advance at 11 am Central and go fast. Other nights cost $7–$12 in advance.
How much does ZooLights cost?: $7–$12 for a fixed-date ticket bought ahead, $20 on the same day or for a flexible ticket you can use any night. Parking is extra.
What time do Lincoln Park Zoo lights start?: At 4:30 pm, when it gets dark in Chicago in December; the lights stay on until 9 pm.
Is ZooLights worth it?: At $7 in advance it's the best-value light show in Chicago: tunnels of light, glowing animal figures and warm drinks along a lakefront zoo. Dress for the cold and book ahead — same-day tickets cost almost three times as much.

Checked 2026-09-30. Sources: Lincoln Park Zoo — ZooLights · Chicago on the Cheap — ZooLights. Last season's numbers are labelled with their year until the organiser publishes 2026.

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