Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo Chicago

About this place

 

For more than 40 years, Holiday Magic has been one of the Chicago area's favorite ways to start the season. On select evenings from November 21, 2026 to January 3, 2027, Brookfield Zoo Chicago lights up from end to end with larger-than-life displays, glowing light tunnels, an expanded maze and animal-shaped light sculptures. The themed areas this year include Candy Cane Lane, Sweet Street, Sparkling Coast, Flamin-glow Forest, Butterfly Forest, the Giant Present and the Ford Orb.

There is plenty between the light walks: a retro Christmas dance area, the Holiday Market for gifts, seasonal treats and hot drinks, and the zoo's hand-carved carousel (weather permitting). Several animal houses stay open in the evening too, including Tropic World (until 7 p.m.), the Hamill Family Play Zoo, Australia House, The Swamp, the Gorilla Conservation Center, Clouded Leopard Forest and The Living Coast.

Santa visits for free with admission on many nights in late November and December, and Dinner with Santa runs December 18 to 20 at the Discovery Center. For something extra, you can book a Holiday Igloo with s'mores and hot chocolate, or a Penguin Encounter. Thursday, December 3 is a Sensory Friendly night with dimmer lights, softer music and fewer effects, presented with KultureCity.

Good to know: the festival runs 3 to 9 p.m. on event nights only, not every night, so check the calendar before you go. Tickets start at $29.95, and admission is free for zoo members. At the Main (North) Gate you can buy admission and parking ahead or on arrival; the South Gate needs advance tickets and a parking reservation. From Schaumburg, plan on roughly 35 to 45 minutes by car. Dress warmly - most of the walk is outdoors.

 

What you will find

Light tunnelsHoliday mazeVisits with SantaHoliday MarketCarouselIgloo rentalsSensory Friendly nightIndoor animal houses

 

Good for

FamiliesCouplesVisitorsGroups

 

Verified Nov 3, 2026. Hours, prices and opening arrangements change — check the official site before you travel. Check now.