Zoo Lights at the Lincoln Park Zoo

Oh the excitement! My man and I went the weekend he was in town and had a blast! There was even an aardvark sleeping in a barrel! How appropriate!
I have to say as I grow older I become more cynical of «Holiday» things, but the Zoo Lights definitely make me feel like a kid again. It was actually quite amazing as I have never been to Lincoln Park Zoo before. Parking wasn’t awesome (especially since it was cold and raining). But all signs point to WORTH IT!

I haven’ been this year yet but go every year. It is so beautiful — the lights are amazing. If you are lucky enough to go on a snowy night, well, it’s really almost too much beauty.
Not only do you get to see the zoo, along the lakefront, lit up with beautiful lights, but you get to experience other things. Like a man doing ice sculptures. With a chainsaw. Hot cocoa and a nice walk.
But one of my favorite parts of this experience is getting to see the animals at night. You normally only experience them in the daytime and the nocturnal animals can be quite different.
It’s such a great thing to do and I highly recommend everyone do it. Do it! Do it! Do it!

Zoo Lights at Lincoln Park Zoo is an AWESOME free event, one that Gregula and I make sure not to miss every year! Did I mention that it is FREE???
It is amazing how to zoo transforms itself into a holiday wonderland of lights, seems like every tree is covered in them. There are also lighted sculptures of animals and festive themed things such as snowmen and gingerbread boys and girls. If you get cold, there are many indoor exhibits that are open such as the Primate House, the Lion House where Santa is waiting to take a picture with all you good girls and boys and the Small Animal/​Reptile House where you can have a seat and watch the old «Frosty the Snowman» Rankin Bass tv special on a big screen TV. There are also two gift shops (one in the Lion House, the other near the Sea Lion Pool) where you can shop for gifts for the animal lover in your life.
Public transportation recommended because parking can get very hairy along Stockton Drive (if you don’t want to pay for a spot on Cannon, yargh) and beware of cabs who will be happy to run you over :/​.
Oh and in 2006 we ran into Da Mayor in the gift shop, I should really take off a star for that but hey, it wasn’t Zoo Lights’ fault ;).

OMG Unity I couldn’t agree more. Zoo Lights fully deserves it own listing because it is the most awesome event of the year at the LP Zoo.
Some tips:
1) Try to get there early because the first 1000 people get these awesome 3-​D glasses. It starts at 5pm, on a busy day (say, the day after Thanksgiving) they run out by 6pm. On a not too busy day (say a random Tuesday once its open for the whole week) they won’t run out until almost 8pm.
2) They do have an open campfire where you can roast smores. That is SO awesome.
3) This is the MOST romantic free date ever. Plus, there are lost of dark corners to make out in. Just don’t scar the kiddies for life.

This FREE event that happens every year deserves its own entry. If you are looking for a fun family friendly activity for all ages, this would be it. Not only is FREE, it absolutely gets you into the holiday spirit. I checked out the lights the day after Thanksgiving this year & it really got my Christmas Cheer on and I am thankful for that.
Are you looking for something to lift you up in this season? Why not check out Zoo Lights? You can wander around, check out the festive lights, snack on some popcorn, look at some animals (only portions of the zoo are open for this not the entire thing), and also see some ice carving. It is a grand olé time. Whether you have family in town, want to take your own kids (heck borrow some if you are looking for an excuse to go), go with friends, or just go alone, this is something worth wandering out for.
The LPZ, Comed, and Charter Bank really put on quite the lights spectacular for Chicagoans & visitors. It is open during the holiday season from 5pm-​9pm (check website for exact dates). I recommend public transportation, unless you wish to get frustrated trying to find parking or else pay the $ 15 to park at the zoo (still worth it!).