This holiday season, get ready to visit Chicagoland’s longest-running lights festival featuring over two million twinkling LED lights!
We’re excited to offer four types of tickets for Holiday Magic! Please explore your options and remember to select both admission and parking during checkout.
North Gate Entry - General Admission
Choosing North Gate admission provides entry and parking at the North Gate. Advance ticket purchases are strongly encouraged.
Address: 8400 31st Street, Brookfield, IL 60513
GET NORTH GATE TICKETS
South Gate Entry - General Admission:
Choosing South Gate admission provides entry and parking at the South Gate. Reservations are required.
Address: 3300 Golf Road, Brookfield, IL 60513
GET SOUTH gATE TICKETS
REDEEM SOUTH gATE FREE PASSES
Member Admission:
Members do not need to reserve North Gate entry, but reservations are required for South Gate entry. To use member guest pass vouchers for South Gate entry, it is required to redeem these for advance reservations as well.
Address: 3300 Golf Road, Brookfield, IL 60513
GET SOUTH GATE MEMBER TICKETS
GET SOUTH GATE GUEST TICKETS
Active, reservist, and retired members of the military who present a valid ID at one of the Zoo's admission booths will be admitted to Holiday Magic free of charge.
Step into a wonderland of Holiday Magic, where enchanting scenes come to life with giant illuminated animals, a dazzling tunnel show, Santa, and captivating walkthrough displays! Marvel at over 900 beautifully decorated trees that illuminate the night, each adorned by local community groups and organizations. Take a leisurely stroll through our NEW immersive displays, Candy Cane Lane and Sparkling Coast, and enjoy the festive atmosphere. It’s a magical experience filled with joy and wonder for the whole family!
NEW! Two New Themed Lighting Areas
Experience two new immersive lighting areas at the zoo! The Wild Encounters pathway will be transformed into Candy Cane Lane. Keep an eye out for reindeer in Wild Encounters; they might just know where Santa is! This enchanting pathway will lead you to the East Mall Holiday Market.
Living Coast will be transformed into the Sparkling Coast, adorned with wintery blue moving light patterns and magical underwater light statues. Feel a deep connection to the sea as you stroll beneath the radiant waters.
Meet Santa!
Meet Santa this holiday season at the Zoo! Visit him from November 22 to December 22, between 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the Pavilions. Before you enter Santa’s Workshop, send your letters to Santa or animals using our North Pole Express mailbox. It’s a magical experience for the whole family!
Embrace the winter spirit at our NEW Holiday Market! Enjoy unique shopping alongside seasonal food and beverages that will warm your heart. Visit the Cranberry Bar for craft holiday cocktails, cozy winter apparel, and delicious funnel cakes. Don’t forget to stop by The Nutcracker Hut for custom ornaments and handmade gifts that are perfect for the holidays!
Holiday Treats & Sips and Jolly Gift Shops
Indulge in delicious food and cozy beverages, including hot chocolate available at various locations throughout the park to keep you warm during the event. Plus, explore our Jolly Gift Shops to find the perfect holiday gifts and keepsakes that will make this season memorable!
Experience Winter Wildlife
Warm up as you explore indoor habitats. There are three open indoor habitats during Holiday Magic: The Swamp, Living Coast, and Seven Seas Underwater Viewing. Don’t miss the outdoor habitats, where you can encounter incredible animals like big cats, bison, camels, kangaroos, reindeer, and more!
Seasonal Animal Experiences Available for Purchase
Enhance your visit and delight in the beloved animals of Brookfield Zoo Chicago. Separate fees apply for these experiences.
• Nightly holiday-themed Dolphins in Action presentation at 6 p.m.
• Nightly Penguin Encounter at 6 p.m.
Seasonal Attractions Available for Purchase
Take a ride on our seasonal attractions (open weather permitting). Separate fees apply for these experiences.