About Lincoln Park Zoo Lights
Lincoln Park Zoo Lights has been a treasured holiday tradition in Chicago for years. The Christmas light show illuminates the zoo with dynamic displays and dazzling lights. You and your loved ones can enjoy all festive activities, including sweet treats, a light maze, Enchanted Forest, a pop-up bar, visits with Santa, and many more.
The light festival will give you tons of reasons to be happy this holiday season. Whether you want to witness the zoo lights alone or with your loved one, ensure to mark your calendar now.
When does Lincoln Park Zoo Lights starts (2022-2023)
Lincoln Park Zoo Lights does not only illuminate the zoo with over a million lights but also with children’s laughter. This holiday classic brings everyone to one magical venue.
Join this year’s Lincoln Park Zoo Lights and experience holiday-season activities and bright displays throughout the zoo grounds. The Christmas light show runs from November 19 to 24, November 26 to 30, December 1, December 3 to 15, December 17 to 23, December 26 to 31, and January 1 to 2.
Where is the zoo lights Chicago Located and How to Get There
With zoo lights Chicago, your holiday celebration can be unlike any other. You will be surrounded by more than one million blinking Christmas lights.
While exploring the lights, listening to holiday songs, and taking photos with Christmas displays and Santa, animal exhibits remain open late. You can also enjoy preparing holiday crafts and seeing incredible animals in a festive atmosphere.
The light exhibition takes place in Lincoln Park Zoo in Cannon Drive, Fullerton Parkway, Chicago, Illinois, USA 60614. And here’s how you can get there:
By Bus
The 156, 151, 36, and 2 buses stop along Lincoln Park Zoo’s western edge.
By Train
The Purple and Brown lines stop at Armitage station. Meanwhile, if you take the Red line, it stops at the Fullerton station. These lines are around 1 mile west of Lincoln Park Zoo.
By Bicycles
You can find bicycle racks near the zoo’s North Gate, West Gate, East Gate, and Café Brauer Gate. Additional racks can be found near Divvy Station and along Stockton and Cannon Drives.
By Taxis and Rideshares
You can also take taxis or rideshares to reach Lincoln Park Zoo. The pickups and drop-offs are usually directed to West Gate.
Zoo lights lincoln park hours
The Zoo lights Lincoln park hours Christmas light show will give you a sensory-friendly experience. Aside from the classic favorites, you can also see new lighting concepts. Of course, never miss the chance to witness the 18-foot Christmas tree, giving you a genuine and nostalgic holiday vibe.
You can enjoy Christmas lights, displays, and holiday activities from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM. It is recommended to arrive on time or early at the festival site to enjoy all activities and never miss any single fun.
How Much It Cost to Visit Lincoln Park Zoo Lights
Now in its 28th year, the festival of lights features new and classic lighting concepts. It will bring you the holiday spirit you can cherish with your loved one.
Lincoln Park Zoo Lights remains one of the most anticipated family-oriented events in Chicago. It is also an affordable way to celebrate the Christmas season.
Tickets for the light festival cost $5 per person. Visitors of all ages, including infants, need to present tickets. The ticket sale starts in mid-October. On Mondays and Tuesdays, you can join the festival for free.
The ticket sales will go directly to educational programs, global conservation efforts, and animal care. Some zoo lights exhibits come with an additional $3 charge: Enchanted Forest and Light Maze.
Weather and What to Wear
Lincoln Park Zoo Lights starts in November, and you can expect the weather to be chilly and rainy. During the daytime, the average temperatures are in the single digits C (high 40s F). It also rains 5 to 10 days within this month.
You can pack clothing and footwear such as fleece, coat or jacket, warm jeans or pants, extra socks, mittens or light gloves, standard footwear, a waterproof jacket, and waterproof snow boots.
In December, the weather is snowy, freezing, and rainy. The daytime average temperatures are in the single digits C (30s F) and then jump into single digits C (low 40s F). At night, expect the temperatures to be in the single digits below 0 C (low 20s F). You can also expect several rainy rays and extremely heavy snowfall.
So, pack heavy jackets, gloves, warm jeans or pants, sweaters, heavy socks, cold weather footwear, waterproof snow boots, and waterproof snow boots.
The festival ends on the first week of January, and expect snowy, frigid, and rainy weather. The average daytime temperatures are in the single digits below 0 C (20s F). At night, the average temperatures are in 10+ below zero C (single digits F).
If you have to stay in Chicago during this month, make sure to pack heavy sweaters, fleece inner layer, extreme cold weather gloves, thermal undergarments, insulated ice boots, extreme weather jacket, neck warmer or scarf, heated socks, pajamas, and waterproof jacket.
Hotels nearby Lincoln Zoo Lights
If you wish to celebrate Christmas uniquely and enjoyably, ensure to join the Lincoln Park Zoo Lights 2022-2023. It is a holiday event for the entire family. However, ensure not to forget to book a place to stay.
Here are some top recommendations:
The Sono Chicago
This accommodation is situated in The Old Town, approximately 1.2 km away. Plus, the parking is free of charge.
Level Chicago – Old Town
Level Chicago is located 1.5 km from 360 Chicago. It features clean and comfortable rooms. It also has a 24-hour front desk, a fitness center, and a seasonal outdoor swimming pool.
Villa D’ Citta
Villa D’ Citta is situated in the center of Lincoln Park’s dining and shopping district. This B&B features BBQ facilities and a private grotto.
Viceroy Chicago
This accommodation is around 1.9 km and a few steps away from famous entertainment, dining, and shopping on the Magnificent Mile. It features a lounge and a rooftop bar.
Hotel Lincoln
Hotel Lincoln is 0.4 km from Lincoln Park Zoo, which is around 10 minutes walk. It features free Wi-Fi access throughout the property and an on-site restaurant.
Where to Eat
Aside from joining Lincoln Park Zoo Lights, ensure to try different food destinations in Chicago, including:
Ranalli’s Pizzeria
This pizzeria is approximately 0.3 miles from the zoo. It offers fresh and classic pizzas, varied beverage options, and Italian-focused fare in a communal and comfortable setting. The dog-friendly and outdoor sidewalk café can accommodate up to 175 guests.
Mon Ami Gabi
This French bistro and steakhouse is situated within the Belden-Stratford overlooking the Lincoln Park Zoo and Lincoln Park Conservatory. Even if it has an upscale vibe, it is still kid-friendly. A coloring page and crayons are included.
Vanille Patisserie
Before visiting the light exhibition, you can have treats and sweets at Vanille Patisserie. It specializes in authentic cakes, desserts, and pastries. Ensure to order French macarons, handmade candies, and chocolates, luscious tarts, mouse cakes, or freshly baked croissants.
R.J. Grunts
This eatery is around 0.1 miles from the festival site. It offers the 1970s’ funky lifestyle, décor, music, décor, and menu. The salad bar offers over 50 ingredients every day. Milkshakes and giant malts are hand scooped. You can also try the craft beer selection.
More Things to Do in the Area
Aside from joining the festival and seeing different animals in the zoo, you have plenty of things to do in Chicago, including:
Millennium Park
This park is located in the loop and used to showcase stunning landscaping, architecture, and cutting-edge art. It is also a beautiful venue for festivals and concerts. Do not miss the chance to see the Cloud Gate and Crown Fountain.
The Chicago Riverwalk
This 1.25-mile pedestrian walkway is perfect for observing the skyline and taking a walk. You can try kayaking or a boat tour if you love water activities. Meanwhile, if you love dry land, you can explore art displays and public gardens or grab a meal or drink at a bar or restaurant overlooking the river.
Shedd Aquarium
Shedd Aquarium houses approximately 32,000 creatures, making it one of the largest indoor aquariums in the world. You can see a variety of turtles, sea lions, and stingrays. You can also find other animals like beluga whales, sharks, piranhas, and penguins.
Navy Pier
Navy Pier offers lots of family-friendly entertainment activities and extends out onto Lake Michigan. You can easily spot the 196-feet Ferris wheel, a carousel, and a swing-seat ride.
Thanks for reading!
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