If you’re looking at holiday light events around Chicago this season, you’ve probably seen Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo pop up. It’s the zoo’s annual winter lights festival, where the walkways and plazas are covered in glowing displays, themed light tunnels, and seasonal decorations. It’s one of the longest-running holiday events in the area, and for some families it’s a yearly tradition. This post will cover event basics, what’s new for 2025, and our honest review from 2024.
Brookfield Zoo Holiday Magic Event Info
Event Dates (2025)
- November 21-23, 28-30; December 4-7, 11-14, 18-21, 26-31; January 1-4
- Time: 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. on all Holiday Magic dates
- If you prefer a calmer, quieter environment, there’s also a Sensory Friendly Holiday Magic night on December 4, 2025—with dimmer lighting, softer music, and reduced visual effects for a more comfortable experience.
What to Expect at Holiday Magic
Brookfield Zoo’s Holiday Magic is the zoo’s annual winter lights event, where they decorate the grounds with millions of lights and set up seasonal displays throughout the walkways. It’s one of the longest-running holiday light events in the Chicago area.
Highlights for 2025 include:
- More than 3.5 million lights throughout the zoo
- Brand new giant light-up maze
- Expanded light tunnels you can walk through
- Holiday Dolphin Show (select nights- check schedule)
- Animal-themed light displays + classic favorites
- Holiday market with gifts, treats, and local vendors
- Seasonal snacks + hot drinks to keep you warm
- Private igloos available to rent
- Santa visits on select nights
Animal Exhibits Open During Holiday Magic
Even though it’s a nighttime event, several animal habitats stay open indoors so you can warm up and say hi to some furry and feathered friends:
- Australia House
- Dolphin Bay (select nights)
- Hamill Family Play Zoo
- The Living Coast
- Gorilla Conservation Center
Tickets & Pricing
- Adults $29.95-34.95
- Kids $20.95-24.95
- Parking: $15.18
Tickets can be bought online at: https://www.brookfieldzoo.org/holidaymagic
Our Review of Brookfield Zoo Holiday Magic (2024 Visit)
overall, we had a good time- but we also left feeling like the price didn’t exactly match what we got.
The lights themselves were neat, especially some of the big displays and the alley lined with trees decorated by local organizations and businesses. That part was actually one of my favorite areas, it felt personal and a little quirky in the best way. And seeing it through the eyes of a toddler? Obviously adorable. The event is definitely fun if you’re going with kids who just want to run around looking at twinkly things.
But we were surprised by how few animals were viewable, especially for the cost. We totally understand that the outdoor habitats are dark because that’s when the animals sleep, that part makes sense, but we expected more indoor buildings to be open. Having only a handful available made the zoo feel quieter than we thought it would.
So here’s where we landed:
- Fun atmosphere: yes
- Cute for kids: definitely
- Worth the price: kind of debatable
There are so many holiday light events in the Chicago area, and a lot of them are cheaper. We just didn’t feel like this one offered enough to justify the ticket price last year.
That said, the updates for 2025 sound like they could change that:
- A giant light-up maze
- More walk-through light tunnels
- Interactive displays (so not just lights you look at, but lights you do things with)
- And a Holiday Dolphin Show added to the mix
All of that could add more of an “experience” factor, which I think was missing before. So if you’ve been on the fence or had a similar impression in years past, 2025 might be the year it finally feels like a full event instead of just lights + limited animals.
Our overall take:
A nice night out, especially with kids, but in 2024 it felt overpriced for what was offered. We’re hopeful the new additions will make the 2025 version feel more worth it.
Brookfield Zoo Holiday Magic Video
@roamingnelsons Throwback to last year’s Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo 🎄✨ We went with friends and had a fun night checking out the lights and festive displays. It’s happening again this year if you’re looking for a holiday outing around Chicago! 🦓🎅 #chicago #christmaslights #holidaytravel ♬ Christmas Is Coming – DM Production
As Amazon associates, we earn commission on qualifying purchases.
