Lincoln Park's 24th Annual Zoolights: Events, Activities

CHICAGO — More than 2.5 million lights will flicker on for the 24th Annual Zoolights in Lincoln Park, which begins on Friday, Nov. 23. The popular free event transforms the Lincoln Park Zoo into a twinkling winter wonderland for 35 nights. Zoolights will also include visits from Santa, ice sculptors, strolling carolers and other festive activities.

Zoolights schedule:

Zoolights runs from 4:30 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights Nov. 23 – 25 and Nov. 30 – Dec. 2, and then nightly Dec. 7 through Jan. 6 (excluding Dec. 24 and 25).

ZooLights Family Nights are back by popular demand Mondays —Dec. 10, 17 and 31 (note: Zoolights will close at 8 p.m. on Dec. 31 for Zoo Years Eve). The family evenings include all regular ZooLights activities, along with free rides on the AT&T Endangered Species Carousel and Lionel Train Adventure for families with children. On these nights, kids also eat free at Park Place Café (one free limited kid’s menu item with paid adult entrée or combo meal).

Zoolights events:

Holiday Market returns for its third year on Giving Tuesday, Nov. 27, from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Jumpstart your holiday shopping by browsing through goods made by local artisans and crafters. Entry is $10 (10 percent off for Lincoln Park Zoo members).

4th Annual Adults Night Out on Nov. 29 gives adults exclusive entry to the zoo after hours. Come for the 2.5 million holiday lights, stay for the Gnome Hunt. The adults night out includes holiday activities, zoo-themed trivia, music, cash bars and expert animal chats. The event will be held from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $15 (20 percent off for Park Zoo members). Food, beer and wine (for those ages 21+) are available for purchase.

5th Annual BrewLights on Nov. 29 will give guests the chance to try 20 craft and seasonal beers. Held from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., guests can also enjoy photos with Santa at Helen Brach Primate House, free rides on the AT&T Endangered Species Carousel and live music. All proceeds go to the Auxiliary Board’s commitment to support Lincoln Park Zoo’s Pride of Chicago campaign. Food will also be available for purchase throughout the evening. BrewLights is exclusively for guests 21 years and older.

The Chris White Trio Tribute to “A Charlie Brown Christmas” is back for another year. Guests are invited to enjoy the soulful jazz tribute to a holiday classic. The event runs from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 9 at Café Brauer, with tickets beginning at $25.

New this year, enjoy Breakfast with Santa at Café Brauer Dec. 16. Guests can enjoy brunch with the big man in red himself. There will be four seatings starting at 9 a.m. Adults (age 14 and older) are $45, children (ages one to 12) are $20 and tiny tots (12 months and younger) are free. All children can make a cookie for free at the cookie decoration station.

Zoo Year’s Eve is an adults-only New Year’s Eve celebration on Dec. 31. Ring in the New Year with DJ entertainment, games and giveaways in the glow of 2.5 million lights. Food and alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. The event runs from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Early-bird tickets begin at $10.

GlowFlow Yoga on Jan. 6 at 9 a.m. welcomes yogis of all levels to Regenstein Small Mammal-Reptile House for a 60-minute vinyasa yoga class. With the lights low and glow sticks provided, all are sure to glow into the New Year. Tickets are $25 (20 percent off for Lincoln Park Zoo members).

Image/video via YouTube/Lincoln Park Zoo.