ChambanaMoms.com

The Top Online Resource for Champaign-Urbana Area Families

You are here: Home / Christmas / Holiday Lights at the Zoo: Where to Drive From Champaign-Urbana

Holiday Lights at the Zoo: Where to Drive From Champaign-Urbana

By

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 having 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!

Lights at the Zoo presented by Champaign Park District

chambanamoms thanks Champaign Park District for presenting this list of where to find lights at the 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 face painting by The ZooLady and her crew, games for the kids (kids at heart too!) craft, and a few vendors. 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. 

  • Tickets: On sale at the Zoo or call (309) 434-2250.
  • Cost: $8/non-members, $3/members. Ages 3 and under are free.
  • Dates and times: Dec. 2, 3, 9 & 10, 5-8 p.m.

Christmas at the Zoo, Indianapolis Zoo, Indianapolis

Christmas at the Zoo was the first zoo in the nation to hold a holiday lights event! Two opportunities to meet Santa, visits with 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% by buying online! Zoo members do not need advance reservations.
  • Cost: Pricing varies depending on day, from $12.25 (children) to $32.75 (adult). 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. 19–Dec. 30. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day. Open 5-9 p.m. weeknights, 5-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Zoo Lights, Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago

Lincoln Park ZooLights brings this festive, one-of-a-kind holiday experience offers a merry, family-oriented tradition in the heart of the city.  Read our article on Lincoln Park Zoo here. 

  • Tickets:  Can be purchased online.
    Cost: $5/person on Tuesday-Sunday; FREE on Monday (reserve tickets online the Tuesday prior at 11 a.m.)

    • 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. 19–Jan. 1. There are special events mixed in with regular zoo lights nights, so check the calendar for info. Zoo Lights runs from 4:30 – 10 p.m.
  • Sensory Friendly Night:  Nov. 29

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, a skating rink, 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. Get your reservations here.
  • Cost: Admission is $24.95/adults, $17.95/children ages 3-11, and $19.95/seniors 65 and over.
    • Parking is $13.40.
    • Be sure to budget for snacks, drinks, and holiday shopping.
    • A skating rink with synthetic surface (!) is available with an additional charge for entry and for optional skate rental.
  • Dates and times: Select dates from Nov. 25 to Dec. 31 from 3-9 p.m.
WildLights STL
Photo via the Saint Louis Zoo.

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 $11-$16.
    • 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. 25 and Dec. 30, from 5-8:30 p.m.
  • Sensory Friendly Night: Dec. 12. Admission: $10/person (member and non-member).

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

Looking for more? Subscribe to our Home for the Holidays Newsletter. Want more ideas for holiday (or everyday) fun? Check out our Events Calendar.

Everything Holiday Season In and Around Champaign-Urbana

Click Here for Everything Holidays in Champaign-Urbana