Brookfield Zoo Holiday Magic – now through Dec 31, 2023

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Light up the festive season with family and friends at Brookfield Zoo’s 42nd annual Holiday Magic!  Chicagoland’s longest-running lights festival has returned! 

Where:  Brookfield Zoo

When:  Nov 24-26, 30th; Dec 1-3, 7-10, 14-17, 21-23, 36-31, 2023; 3 to 9 p.m. 

More than two million LED lights transform the park into a winter wonderland. While enjoying a stroll on the pathways, visitors can

  • gaze up at an amazing 41-foot tall lit tree, which ‘dances’ to the choreographed seasonal tunes

 

  • stop at the 20-foot-tall orb and 3D gingerbread house to take memorable photos

 

  • walk through the 600-foot-long “Tunnel of Lights”

 

  • and much more!

 

 

 

 

Admission Info 

For North Gate Entry, Holiday Magic advance tickets are not required; however, if you are not a member of Brookfield Zoo, you may choose to purchase these in advance.  Advanced reservations are not needed for North Gate Entry as a member.

Advance reservations are required for South Gate entry, and parking fees are also charged at the time of reservation.  One of the perks of being a Brookfield Zoo member?  Holiday Magic admission is free!

For all you need to know about Brookfield Zoo’s Holiday Magic, visit HERE. 

 

Holiday Lights, Cameras, and Animal Action

Besides the Holiday Magic display, many want to also enjoy nature’s animals. Many of the Zoo’s animal buildings will be open, along with restaurants and gift shops, where you can pick up unique and creative gifts for the animal and zoo lovers on your holiday shopping list.

Make note that all animal habitats close at 8:15 p.m.  In addition, Brookfield Zoo does not open until 3:00 p.m. on Holiday Magic days (see the listing above).

 

Wow!  5 Fascinating Brookfield Zoo Facts!

  • The Oldest Zoological Park in Chicago

Since its opening in 1934, it has been a prominent attraction for both locals and tourists.

  • Over 2,000 Animals from Around the World

The Zoo is home to over 2,000 animals from over 400 species – from majestic lions and tigers, to playful dolphins and penguins- making it a diverse and fascinating place to explore.  

  • The Birthplace of the First Giant Panda Cubs in the U.S.

In 1987, Brookfield Zoo made history by becoming the birthplace of the first giant panda cubs in the United States. 

  • Pioneer in Animal Breeding Programs

Brookfield Zoo has successfully bred a wide range of animals, contributing to the conservation of endangered species.   

  • The Zoo has only been closed five times in history –

-On September 14, 2008, after damage from a weekend rainstorm;

–on February 2, 2011, after a major blizzard; 

–on April 18-19, 2013, after flooding from a severe rainstorm; 

-January 30-31, 2019, due to below-freezing temperatures; 

-and from March 19 to July 1, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

 

Fellowship Fleet Limousine and Bus Company can provide top-notch transportation for you, your friends, and family as you visit Brookfield Zoo, or for any other occasion.  Book your reservation HERE!

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