Guide To Lincoln Park ZooLights New Year's Eve Celebration

CHICAGO, IL — Lincoln Park ZooLights runs until January 7 and features many family-friendly events. Visitors are invited to wind their way through a labyrinth of 30,000 twinkling lights. Families can celebrate New Year's Eve at ZooLights, complete with party hats, horns and favors.

The family-friendly New Year's celebration runs from from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 31. The zoo will distribute complimentary festive hats, horns and party favors to visitors while supplies last.

Then on Monday, Jan. 1, you can keep the party going! Kids eat free at Park Place Café (one free limited-menu kids’ meal per paid adult entrée/combo), and all guests enjoy unlimited, free rides on Lionel Train Adventure and AT&T Endangered Species Carousel. Plus, zoo members at all levels get free parking. (Individual and Household members, pick up your parking voucher at Gateway Pavilion during your visit.)

MEMBERS LOUNGE

The lounge is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout ZooLights. Lincoln Park Zoo members enjoy exclusive access to a Members Lounge located on the lower level of Park Place Café. Warm up with free hot chocolate, cider and tea, cookies and crafts.

EXPERIENCES

Tickets can be purchased on-site for $3 each, a package of 10 for $27, or a package of 20 for $51.

Lionel Train Adventure: The trackless 28-passenger train crosses over a quaint country bridge and wends its way past forest and canyon scenery before returning to a red brick station. 1 ticket required per person to ride

AT&T Endangered Species Carousel: The AT&T Endangered Species Carousel features 48 artisan-crafted wooden animals and two chariots. 1 ticket required per person to ride

Century Wheel: This 65-foot ferris wheel will lift you to new sights as your soar above the holiday magic and get the best view in the city. 2 tickets required per person to ride

NEW - Light Maze Presented by PowerShares QQQ by Invesco: This new attraction features 30,000 twinkling lights distracting you from making your way through the twists and turns. 1 ticket required per person

NEW - Sea Explorer 5-D: Take a virtual submarine ride that’s great for the whole family. With this 4-D, limited-time attraction, you’ll cruise through ocean waters and perhaps pop up near the shore—and maybe encounter some wildlife on the way! A hydraulic floor makes it feel like you’re really traveling through the water as you dive deep and meet the residents of our wild waters. 2 tickets required per person to ride

Main image courtesy of Lincoln Park Zoo