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Celebrate the Holidays at the Lincoln Park Zoo's Annual ZooLights

By Lisa Davis, About.com Guide

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About the Lincoln Park Zoo ZooLights:

The lights have been turned on at the Lincoln Park Zoo for the zoo's annual holiday ZooLights. Each year the zoo decorates its grounds and trees with mult-colored lights and animal figures. ZooLights is free and is sponsored by ComEd.

ZooLight Attractions Include:

- A photo opportunity with Santa through December 23.

- Ice carving demonstrations.

- Holiday Express train.

- African Safari Ride.

- Giant snowglobes.

- New 3-D displays.

- Warm spiced wine and frosty lagers.

- Holiday crafts.

Tip: The first 1,000 guests each night will receive the zoo's holiday specs that you can wear to magnify the colors of the lights.

Lincoln Park Zoo ZooLights - Location:

The Lincoln Park Zoo is located at 2200 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago, Illinois. Closest major roads include Fullerton and Armitage. Off of Lake Shore Drive, take the Fullerton Avenue exit. (Also worth reading: December 2012 Happenings in Chicago and Things to Do This January in the Windy City)

Lincoln Park ZooLights - Dates and Times:

November 23–25, 30; December 1–2, 7–9, 14–16, 21–23, 26–31; January 1–6, 2013. Closed December 24 and 25. Hours are 5 - 9 p.m.

Lincoln Park ZooLights - Admission:

Admission to the Lincoln Park ZooLights is free, as is admission year around to the zoo.

Lincoln Park ZooLights - Directions:

CTA bus routes 151 or 156 stop right in front of the zoo's entrance off of Cannon Drive. You can also take bus routes 22 and 36, which drop off on Clark Street, which is one block west of the zoo. Street parking is also available, although nearly impossible to find. The zoo has paid parking lot off of Fullerton Avenue near Lake Shore Drive. (Check out our Guide to Using Public Transportation in Chicago.)

Lincoln Park Zoo ZooLights - Special Events:

Some of the special events happening during the 2012 Lincoln Park Zoo's ZooLights include:

New Year’s Eve: The zoo will distribute complimentary party hats and horns to its visitors.

93.9 Lite FM: The Holiday Lite will be at ZooLights with Edison the Lite-Nosed Reindeer to hand out candy and holiday goodies from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. on December 1, 9, and 15.

ZooLights Coat Drive - Throughout ZooLights, the zoo will be collecting new and gently used winter clothing. Donated items will be distributed to Chicago charities. Donation boxes will be located in Gateway Pavilion and Park Place Café.

Members Lounge at ZooLights - Members will receive "VIP treatment" during this year’s festivities, with exclusive access to the Members Lounge in the Tadpole Room on the lower level at Park Place Café from 5 – 8 p.m. Warm up with free hot chocolate, cider and tea, cookies and crafts. And per the Lincoln Park Zoo: "Make your ZooLights visit even more meaningful by dedicating an evening of the ZooLights Members Lounge in honor of family or friends. Add a personal touch to a favorite holiday tradition while supporting animal care at Chicago’s free zoo. Contact Caren Friedman at 312-742-2171 or cfriedman@lpzoo.org by December 12 for details and to make your gift. Tribute opportunities start at $250.

Check out Friday Night Lights: Polar Party on December 7 and 21 for 4 – 5-year-olds. Kids will explore the world of polar animals and then enjoy the ZooLights festivities.

Win an ADOPT-an-Animal gift package. Look for the zoo's pig light display, take your picture with it and post it to the Lincoln Park Zoo Facebook page or share on Twitter with the hashtag #ZooLights. The zoo will randomly pick one winner.

For More Information:

For more information on the Lincoln Park Zoo's ZooLights, visit the Lincoln Park Zoo's Web site..