There are so many holiday lights to see and events to try that it is a good thing many of them are starting now instead of waiting until December. Here are just a few of the traditional stops to make in and around Chicago this season.
Brookfield Zoo
Holiday Magic® turn Brookfield Zoo Chicago into an illuminated wonderland with more than 3.5 million twinkling lights and a huge display of holiday trees from November 21 to January 4.
Among the 2025 “Magic” features are roasting s’mores at fire pits, private heated igloos for rent, a new holiday-themed dolphin show and exploring new areas like a Candy Land path, underwater jelly area, a Candy Cane tunnel and playing the illuminated tic-tac-toe.
“It’s about bringing people together in a setting filled with light, laughter and connection,” said Andrea Rodgers, senior vice president of guest experience and operations at Brookfield Zoo Chicago.
Check the sites special dates at Dolphin Bay, 6-8 p.m. to meet the bottlenose dolphins and their animal care team Dec. 4, 11, 18 and 29-31 plus Jan. 1-4).
Of course, there will be the old-time faves including photos with Santa (select dates), the Holiday Market with Zoo-inspired gifts,an express North Pole mailbox for Letters to Santa.
Zoo areas will have such light displays as tunnels with portions synchronized to seasonal sounds, a 16-foot-tall LED gingerbread house and a 41-foot-tall tree with colored LED lights.
Brookfield Zoo Chicago – Connect. Care. Conserve
Among the Zoo Lights features is Ice Carving on Friday and Saturday nights.
Lincoln Park Zoo
Presented by Invesco QQQ and ComEd, Lincoln Park holds its famed Zoo Lights Nov. 21, 2025 to Jan. 4, 2026. The zoo is free and is a beautifully lit place to walk at night but know that some rides and attractions require tickets.
Visit ZooLights Presented by Invesco QQQ and ComEd | Lincoln Park Zoo for more information.
Chicago Botanic Garden Lightscape
Up Nov. 14, 2025 to Jan, 4, 2026, Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Garden is like experiencing a fantastic dream. And when done, you’ll probably want to do it again. But tickets are hard to get so take a camera, walk slowly and enjoy refreshments on the way.
The Botanic Garden is just east of Edens Hwy on the south side of Lake Cook Road in Glencoe, IL.
Jodie Jacobs