Zoo Lights: Where to Drive From Champaign-Urbana

Take a short trip to zoos in Illinois, Indiana and Missouri for a memorable holiday lights experience

Many of our favorite zoos near Champaign-Urbana will be featuring holiday lights in the coming weeks

We’ve found holiday lights at zoos large and small, within a reasonable driving distance of Champaign-Urbana. Perhaps you’ll make it a weekend getaway if you go!

Please check with the zoo directly for tickets/pricing for these special holiday events.

Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo — Photo credit: Brookfield Zoo

Wild Lights, Miller Park Zoo, Bloomington

Come out for an evening walk through the Zoo all decked out with lights and decorations for the holidays. There will be fun activities for the kids (kids at heart too!) and a craft. Enjoy some hot chocolate and an opportunity to purchase a $3 kit to make your own s’more! Read our article on Miller Park Zoo.

Questions? Email Sylvia Schuh or call (309) 434-2826.
Cost: $5 for members, $10 for non-members
Dates and times: Dec. 6, 7, 13 & 14, 5-8 p.m.

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Christmas at the Zoo, Indianapolis Zoo, Indianapolis

Christmas at the Zoo was the first zoo in the nation to hold a holiday lights event! Visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, a penguin encounter, and so much holiday cheer throughout the zoo. Read our article on Indianapolis Zoo here.

Tickets: Can be purchased online or at the gate. Save up to 50 percent by buying online. Zoo members do not need advance reservations.
Cost: Pricing varies depending on day, up to $34.75. Children under 2 are free.
- Parking is an additional $10 (free for members).
- Be sure to budget for additional activities, snacks, drinks (hot cocoa and seasonal cocktails), and holiday shopping.
Dates and times: Nov. 23–Jan 5. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Open 5-9 p.m. (Sunday through Thursday) and 5-10 p.m. (Friday and Saturday).

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ZooLights, Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago

Lincoln Park ZooLights will include new and exciting displays, photo ops, and interactive programming all bundled up in the nostalgia of your favorite holiday tradition. Read our article on Lincoln Park Zoo here.

Tickets: Can be purchased online.
Cost: $7-10/person; FREE most Mondays (may need to reserve tickets ahead of time)
- Parking is not included
- Holiday experiences are also ticketed and cost extra. S’mores, a holiday ferris wheel, carolers and more will be happening during the event.
- Be sure to budget for snacks, drinks, and holiday shopping.
Dates and times: Select dates Nov. 15–Jan. 5. There are special events mixed in with regular zoo lights nights, so check the calendar for info. Zoo Lights runs from 4:30 – 9 or 10 p.m.
Sensory Friendly Night: Dec. 4

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Holiday Magic, Brookfield Zoo, Chicago (suburbs)

As Chicagoland’s longest-running lights festival, Holiday Magic features over two million twinkling LED lights in its 40th year. Visitors can experience the “Sea of Lights,” the “Tunnel of Lights” synchronized to music, hundreds of community and corporate decorated trees, and larger-than-life illuminated animal sculptures throughout the zoo. Read our article on Brookfield Zoo here.

Tickets: Advance reservations NOT required for North Gate entry; they ARE required for South Gate entry. Make reservations here.
Cost: Admission runs between $20.95-$34.95.
- Parking costs vary ($15 to $18)
- Be sure to budget for snacks, drinks, and holiday shopping.
Dates and times: Select dates from Nov. 22 to Dec. 31 from 3-9 p.m.

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Wild Lights, Saint Louis Zoo, Saint Louis

Wild Lights at the Saint Louis Zoo features light displays and themed areas. In addition to brilliant light displays, warm up with winter-themed treats, and say hello to the animals at Penguin & Puffin Coast and the Insectarium.

Tickets: Online advance purchase is required as demand is expected to be high. Tickets may be purchased the night of the event, based on availability.
Cost: This event has a fee (although the zoo is usually free). Fees vary from $12-$18.
- Children under age 2 are free
- Parking in North and South lots is free; lots often fill up.
- Admission includes entrance to Wild Lights, Conservation Carousel, Penguin and Puffin Coast and more.
Dates and times: Select dates between Nov. 29 and Dec. 29, from 5-8:30 p.m.
Sensory Night: Dec. 9. Admission: $10/person (member and non-member).

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Planning a big-city holiday adventure? See our articles on family holiday getaways in Indianapolis and Chicago.

Looking for more? Subscribe to our Holiday Newsletter. Want more ideas for holiday (or everyday) fun? Check out our Event Calendar.