Ice-carving demonstrations, an enchanted forest, and a bewildering light maze all in the heart of the city.
Hundreds of mesmerizing light displays will still light up Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo this year as ZooLights looks to adapt its much-loved merry annual event to conform with Coronavirus safety measures. [Featured Image via Lincoln Park Zoo]
The organizers have seen that changes will ensure safety and effective social distancing and an equally magical family-oriented experience as years gone by though for the first time in 20 years entries this year will be ticketed at $5 per person.
This change is due to the financial implications caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and will support Lincoln Park Zoo’s dedication to wildlife and conservation. “We are charging a nominal admission in order to help us break even and still bring this beloved holiday tradition to the zoo” director Megan Ross wrote in a press release.
The enchanting annual event will run from November 21 until January 3 and will host thrilling activities throughout the festive season including ice-carving demonstrations, carol singing, and Santa meet-and-greets! There will be five free days on November 24 and December 9, 17, 21, and 29.
Tickets for these free nights will be released the Sunday before each date at exactly 4 p.m. There will be two free Members-Only Nights on November 20, the night before the official opening, and the first day of December 1 to gloriously welcome in the countdown to Christmas day.
Hundreds of larger-than-life 3D light displays will cover Lincoln Park while the usual delicious holiday snacks including warm spiced wine, frosty beers, and festive specials, will all be available throughout the event. There will also be exciting experiences where additional tickets may be required such as the one-of-a-kind light maze, an enchanted forest, A Charlie Brown Christmas tribute concert, and a holiday pop-up as well as socially distanced photos with Santa himself from December 23 until he heads back to the North Pole.
In all cases, tickets must be booked in advance regardless of age or prices so that entries can be counted and limited capacity can be effectively handled to ensure Coronavirus safety measures are in place. Animal buildings will be closed but animals may be visible in their outdoor habitats!