Brookfield Zoo is offering an expanded schedule for its 39th annual Holiday Magic, presented by ComEd and Meijer. With 10 evenings added and expanded hours, this year's event will be held on 24 nights—Friday-Sunday, November 27-29; Wednesdays-Sundays, December 2-6, 9-13, and 16-20; and Saturday-Thursday, December 26-31, from 3:00 to 9:00 p.m.
The expanded schedule will allow zoogoers to enjoy the holiday lights before Brookfield Zoo temporarily closes to the public January 1-February 28, 2021, with plans to reopen to the public on March 1, within state restrictions.
“Through these challenging times, the health and safety of our guests, volunteers, staff, and animals continues to be our top priority,” said Stuart Strahl, president and CEO of Chicago Zoological Society, which operates Brookfield Zoo. “The past seven months have been incredibly challenging as we all continue to deal with the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, yet we continue to be reminded of the perseverance, understanding, and tremendous support of our staff, members, and guests. We hope zoogoers take advantage of the additional Holiday Magic evenings this year, and we look forward to opening to the public again in March.”
During Brookfield Zoo’s upcoming temporary closure, similar to the temporary closure that took place March 19 – June 30, essential animal care specialists and veterinary staff will continue providing the animals with the same high-level of care.
The 39th Annual Holiday Magic
Zoogoers can safely enjoy this year’s Holiday Magic by strolling along the many pathways, lit with more than one million twinkling LED lights, including through a brilliantly lit 600-foot-long tunnel featuring thousands of colored lights all synchronized to music.
Additional dazzling light displays include a giant 20-foot-lit orb, where guests can stand inside to take a memorable holiday photo, a 41-foot tree, and larger-than-life illuminated animal sculptures of a bison, bear, and giraffe. The zoo's malls and Roosevelt Fountain are all decked out for the holidays, thanks to local community organizations and corporations that decorated 660 LED-lit trees with ornaments, many of them homemade.
New this year, guests of all ages can play the Game of Gnomes. Embark on a fun-filled scavenger hunt in search of 24 whimsical and enchanting themed gnomes, measuring 12- to 20-inches-tall that will be located throughout the park.
Although Santa Claus will not be making an appearance at Brookfield Zoo this year, families can still take photos next to a life-size cutout of him, as well as at other festively themed selfie frames located around the zoo. Kids will also be able to drop off their letters to Santa in the giant box located on the south mall.
Those who work up an appetite or want to warm up with a hot beverage, there will be outdoor food stands offering seasonal fare for purchase, including funnel cakes, praline nuts, cinnamon sugar pretzels, popcorn, pizza, burgers, spiced wine, hot chocolate, and beer. Outdoor merchandise kiosks will have unique items for guests who would like to do some holiday shopping.
Brookfield Zoo is following Phase 4 guidelines from the state of Illinois, which states no buildings may be open and guest capacity must be limited. To ensure social-distancing, advance admission and parking tickets are required. Reservation times will be available in 20-minute increments. Tickets must be reserved at CZS.org/OnlineTicketing. All admission and parking tickets must be secured by both zoo members and guests prior to arriving. Admission is $24.95 for adults, $17.95 for children ages 3-11, and $19.95 for senior 65 and over. Parking is $15. All tickets are nonrefundable. Those who are not familiar with the zoo's current protocols, it is recommended to review them at CZS.org/KnowBeforeYouGo.
