BROOKFIELD ZOO CHICAGO OFFERS ENCHANTING EXPERIENCES
FOR GUESTS OF ALL AGES THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Chicagoland's longest-running holiday lights festival features more than two million lights
plus can't-miss seasonal celebrations, animal encounters and more!​

Brookfield, IL—Brookfield Zoo Chicago will transform into a winter wonderland for an exciting lineup of events throughout the 2024 holiday season. From Chicagoland’s longest-running holiday lights festival to new immersive experiences and events, guests of all ages are invited to embrace the season's magic and create cherished memories at Brookfield Zoo Chicago.
 
Celebrating its 43rd year, Holiday Magic returns with giant illuminated animals, a dazzling tunnel show and more than two million LED lights that will marvel and delight. The enchanting scenes throughout the Zoo are accompanied by unforgettable experiences with Santa, dazzling light displays and more than 900 trees beautifully decorated by community members. Guests will be especially charmed by the following Holiday Magic favorite features and additions:
     ◽  Immersive displays like Candy Cane Lane and Sparkling Coast

•      ◽  Nightly holiday-themed Dolphins in Action presentation at 6 p.m.
•      ◽  Nightly Penguin Encounter at 6 p.m.

     ◽  A Holiday Market offering unique shopping alongside seasonal food and beverages that warm winter spirits—from craft cocktails and funnel cakes to handmade gifts and custom ornaments

Brookfield Zoo Chicago will be open from 3-9 p.m. during Holiday Magic, which takes place on Nov. 22-24 and 29-30 then Dec. 1, 5-8, 12-15, 19-22 and 26-31. Santa will be taking a break from his workshop to meet with Zoo guests between 5-8 p.m. on Holiday Magic dates between Nov. 22 to Dec. 22. Guests are reminded that the Zoo will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Additional details and tickets for Holiday Magic as well as the can’t-miss holiday events below are now available at brookfieldzoo.org/Events. All events require advance registration and/or tickets, with some attractions available at an additional charge like Dolphins in Action and Penguin Encounters.
 
Wines in the Wild on Saturday, Nov. 9
Explore five regions of the world through delectable wines, specialty cocktails and culinary creations during this premier event hosted by the Women’s Board of Brookfield Zoo Chicago. Wines in the Wild takes place at the newly renovated Discovery Center from 6-10 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9. Guests will have the opportunity to meet some of the Zoo’s beloved animal ambassadors and bid on exclusive auction items—from animal encounters and naming one of the Zoo’s newest denizens to travel packages, tickets for various upcoming United Center events, a guitar autographed by Taylor Swift and more!
 
NEW! Toy Drive during Tree Trim on Saturday, Nov. 9 and Sunday, Nov. 10
The season of giving is upon us, and this year’s Tree Trim has an extra special addition. Guests are invited to participate in COUNTRY Financial’s toy drive to bring holiday cheer to families in need across the Chicagoland area. All guests who donate a new, unwrapped toy during Tree Trim—the Zoo’s annual community-driven decoration of more than 900 trees throughout the park—will receive a coupon for discounted admission to this year’s Holiday Magic light show. A wide selection of animal toys, crafts and stuffed animals are available at the Zoo’s Gift Shops, making toy drive participation as convenient as possible for guests during Tree Trim on Saturday, Nov. 9 and Sunday, Nov. 10.
 
Reindeer Run on Saturday, Nov. 16
Gather your friends, family and holiday cheer for the Zoo’s two-mile evening fun run. All participants will receive a commemorative Reindeer Run winter hat with registration and be the first to experience this year’s Holiday Magic! Guests of all ages and abilities are welcome to participate in the 7 p.m. run on Saturday, Nov. 16, including those enjoying the holiday views from strollers and wheelchairs.
 
NEW! Zoo After Dark: Holiday Sip & Stroll on Thursday, Nov. 21
Want a sneak peek of the Zoo draped in holiday light magic? Then the Zoo’s new after-hours holiday kickoff is a can’t-miss experience! Holiday Sip & Stroll invites guests ages 21 and older to enjoy the Zoo’s holiday lights while sampling specialty food and drinks, cheesing for photo opportunities, hitting the Swan Pavilion dance floor and more. This event takes place from 5:30-9 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 21, as part of the Zoo After Dark event series, which offers adults ages 21 and older exclusive experiences to explore the Zoo.
 
Holly Jolly Gingerbread Party on Saturday, Dec. 7
The Zoo’s Discover Center will be transformed for an afternoon of family fun from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7. The Holly Jolly Gingerbread Party returns with a special visit from Santa, a delicious brunch and dessert buffet, hot cocoa bar, gingerbread decorating and up-close experiences with some of the Zoo’s animal ambassadors. A mimosa and bloody mary bar will also be available for guests ages 21 and older. This festive family-friendly fundraiser benefits education, scholarship and conservation initiatives supported by the Women’s Board of Brookfield Zoo Chicago.
 
Dinner with Santa on Dec. 13-15
The most sought-after experience with Santa returns to Brookfield Zoo Chicago! Dinner with Santa includes access to explore the Zoo’s illuminated grounds coupled with a delicious holiday buffet and lasting memories with loved ones. Reservations must be made in advance for 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. seatings on Dec. 13-15 at the Zoo’s Discovery Center. This year’s buffets are highlighted by a carving station, vegetarian options, an assortment of tempting treats and more.
 
Holiday Magic on select dates in Nov. and Dec.
In addition to the new elements highlighted above, Holiday Magic returns with many of its beloved and memorable experiences thanks to presenting sponsors ComEd and Meijer. This includes the Letters to Animals mailbox, Jolly Gift Shops, seasonal attractions like the virtual reality Elf Power experience and more! Light displays will again include a 300-foot tunnel synchronized to seasonal sounds, a 16-foot-tall LED gingerbread house, a 41-foot-tall tree adorned with colored LED lights amongst many other dazzling displays. Guests can encounter winter wildlife at outdoor habitats (weather permitting) then warm up while exploring three indoor habitats scheduled to be open: The Swamp, Living Coast and Seven Seas Underwater Viewing. Active, reservist and retired members of the military who present a valid ID at admission will receive free admission during Holiday Magic. Guests can begin planning their holiday trip to Brookfield Zoo Chicago today by exploring the 2024 Holiday Magic map and details on brookfieldzoo.org/HolidayMagic.
 
To purchase tickets or stay in the know on upcoming events at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, please visit brookfieldzoo.org/Events.

Media Note: Holiday photos from Brookfield Zoo Chicago are available for download here for media use only. Media interested in capturing these events, behind-the-scenes installation and interviews should contact Zoo PR Director Julianne Olivo in advance at Julianne.Olivo@brookfieldzoo.org or 708-688-8351.
 
About Brookfield Zoo Chicago:
Celebrating 90 years as a global leader in animal well-being and conservation, Brookfield Zoo Chicago inspires conservation leadership by igniting emotional connections for people with wildlife and nature, locally and globally. The Zoo is a private nonprofit organization that operates on 235 acres of land owned by the Forest Preserves of Cook County and is home to more than 3,500 animals representing over 500 species, including many of Earth’s most endangered. Brookfield Zoo Chicago was the first zoo in the world to be awarded the Humane Certified™ certification mark for the care and welfare of its animals and is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums, and ArbNet. For more information, visit www.brookfieldzoo.org or follow @BrookfieldZoo on Instagram, Facebook, Threads, and TikTok.