A Night of Zoo Lights: Brookfield Zoo Chicago Holiday Magic (Updated 2025)

HOLIDAY MAGIC IS BACK, BIGGER AND BRIGHTER THAN EVER

Chicagoland’s longest-running holiday lights festival returns for its 44th year, featuring over 3.5 million lights such as interactive light displays—including a giant light-up maze—more light tunnels than ever before, and a spectacular twinkling star walk-through experience. Special attractions include visits with Santa, a holiday market with seasonal treats and drinks, giant light displays of your favorite zoo animals, and a brand-new holiday Dolphin Discovery show. Additionally, on select nights, you can warm up inside Dolphin Bay’s overwater viewing to watch from above as the bottlenose dolphins interact. This exclusive access is available from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on December 4, 11, 18, 29-31, and January 1-4.

Explore 300-foot-long tunnels of light synchronized with festive music, a 16-foot-tall LED gingerbread house, a stunning illuminated light orb, and a 41-foot-tall “dancing” tree decorated with colorful LED lights choreographed to holiday tunes. Marvel at over 900 beautifully decorated trees illuminating the night, each contributed by local families, community groups, and organizations. 

The giant animal displays created with lights are a marvel, but don’t forget about the actual wildlife in their outdoor habitats. There are also five indoor habitats open during Holiday Magic: Australia, Dolphin Bay, and the Hamill Family Play Zoo, as well as The Living Coast and the Gorilla Conservation Center (although animals may not be viewable).

Be sure to visit the Holiday Market featuring a variety of unique gifts and keepsakes, including custom ornaments, cozy winter apparel, and handmade gifts. The market also offers festive food and beverage menus that could even make grumpy old Mr. Potter smile. Enjoy craft holiday cocktails, sweet and fragrant funnel cakes, and warm, roasted candied nuts. 

Stay warm with hot chocolate available at various locations throughout the park, or cozy up in your own private igloo! Perfect for small groups, this rentable heated igloo offers a warm and stylish retreat amid the sparkle of Holiday Magic. Enjoy delicious food and beverages while soaking in the magic of the season—all from the comfort of your personal winter hideaway.

Seasonal attractions, available with an additional ticket price, include a ride on the largest hand-carved wooden carousel in the country and Elf Power, a magical virtual reality journey featuring Santa and his reindeer as they help deliver Christmas presents around the world.

SENSORY FRIENDLY HOLIDAY MAGIC

This year, Brookfield Zoo Chicago has a special evening planned to make the Holiday Magic experience welcoming and enjoyable for guests of all ages and sensory needs. Join us for a Sensory Friendly Holiday Magic on Thursday, December 4, from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. During this time, lights will be dimmed, music will be softer, and visual effects will be reduced to create a calmer, more comfortable environment. 

MEET SANTA AT HOLIDAY MAGIC

Even Santa can’t resist Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s Holiday Magic! Bring the entire family to meet Santa on select nights of Holiday Magic. Meeting Santa is free with your Zoo membership or admission to Holiday Magic. All guests will enjoy a cozy visit with Santa, along with the option to purchase heartwarming professional photos of your time together. Visit BrookfieldZoo.org/meet-santa to see Santa’s schedule. Additional photo op spots, including a 16-foot-tall 3D gingerbread house, a festive holiday-themed photo frame, and a luminous 20-foot-tall orb in front of a dazzling 41-foot-tall tree are available throughout the Zoo.

LET THE HOLIDAY MAGIC BEGIN!

Celebrate a joyful holiday season at Brookfield Zoo Chicago with Holiday Magic, the longest-running lights festival in Chicagoland. Experience over 3.5 million twinkling LED lights, spectacularly decorated trees, a festive holiday market featuring seasonal food, drinks, and gift shops, and illuminated paths that transform the Zoo into an enchanted winter wonderland. 

Learn More & Buy Tickets

When to Visit

Dates: November 21-23, 28-30, 2025; December 4-7, 11-14, 18-21, 26-31, 2025; January 1-4, 2026

Sensory Friendly Holiday Magic: Thursday, December 4, 2025

Times: Brookfield Zoo Chicago opens the gates to its luminous holiday wonderland from 3:00 to 9:00 p.m. for a unique nighttime experience for zoogoers of all ages.

Holiday Magic Ticket Details 

Here’s how to ensure your family is transported to the North Pole this year: make advance reservations to secure your spot! Be sure to select both Holiday Magic admission and parking during checkout to complete your advance ticket purchase. 

Holiday Magic Main Entrance | 8400 31st Street, Brookfield, IL

Choosing North Gate admission provides entry and parking at the North Gate only. Holiday Magic starts at 3:00 p.m., and you can enter anytime after that on your ticket date.

Buy Main Entrance Admission & Parking

South Gate Entry | 300 Golf Road, Brookfield, IL 

Choosing South Gate admission provides entry and parking at the South Gate only. You can only enter the South gate at the specified time and date on your confirmation email and ticket. 

Buy South Gate Admission & Parking

Member Admission

Members do not need to reserve North Gate entry. North Gate parking is free for members, but a fee and advanced tickets are required for South Gate entry. 

Reserve South Gate Member Tickets

Use promo code COCOA at checkout for $5 off each ticket!

Active, reservist, or retired military members who present a valid ID at one of the Zoo's admission booths will be admitted to Holiday Magic free of charge. Please note that free community passes are not redeemable for Holiday Magic. 

Note: Brookfield Zoo Chicago also invites senior living groups to experience its stunning holiday display, all from the comfort of their own bus. Visit BrookfieldZoo.org for more information and details. 

ABOUT BROOKFIELD ZOO CHICAGO

A beloved state treasure and a nationally acclaimed attraction, Brookfield Zoo Chicago is hailed for its exceptional design and a diverse array of animal habitats that house over 3,400 animals representing more than 500 distinct species from around the globe. The Zoo offers visitors a one-of-a-kind opportunity to connect intimately with wildlife through unique encounters and immersive experiences. Managed by the Chicago Zoological Society,  Brookfield Zoo Chicago has earned global recognition for its unwavering commitment to top-tier animal care and wildlife conservation.

Visiting the Zoo

Located just outside Chicago, Illinois, Brookfield Zoo Chicago promises an unforgettable experience for families and friends with captivating habitats, thrilling animal encounters, and a calendar filled with exciting seasonal activities. Brookfield Zoo Chicago is open weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and weekends from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Some special events extend these hours. Admission and parking tickets can be purchased online at BrookfieldZoo.org.

Zoo Membership

Experiencing the many wonders of Brookfield Zoo Chicago may require more than a single visit, which is why so many choose to become Zoo members. It’s an economical way to make multiple visits throughout the year. Various membership packages are available to meet the needs of individuals and families. Learn about Zoo memberships at BrookfieldZoo.org.

Getting There

This world-renowned facility is conveniently located in the heart of Brookfield, IL, at 8400 31st Street (near 1st Avenue and 31st Street), approximately 14 miles southwest of Chicago’s Loop. It takes less than 30 minutes to travel via I-290 W or I-55 S by car or ride share. The Metra commuter line delivers visitors from Union Station to Riverside’s Hollywood (Zoo Stop) in 35 minutes.