Zoo Lights Powered by LES
Visitors can explore one of the Midwest's largest light displays featuring hanging vine lights, light tunnels, and over 30 lit animal silhouettes. The event includes multiple light shows choreographed to holiday music as well as holiday train rides around the zoo. Guests can stop by s'mores and hot cocoa stations, while adult hot cocoas, hot ciders, beer, and wine are available for visitors ages 21 and older.
What to Expect
Choreographed light shows, over 30 lit animal silhouettes, and holiday train rides.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Lincoln Children's Zoo
Food & Drink
S’mores and hot cocoa are available at event stations; guests 21 and older can purchase adult hot cocoas, hot ciders, beer, and wine every evening.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and holiday light enthusiasts
Vibe
Festive and dazzling
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: 5:30 - 9:00 pm.
Tips & Advice
- Buy your timed tickets in advance, because dates and times sell out and tickets aren't sold at the gates once a time is gone.
- If you're a Zoo Member, buy on October 13, when the member sale opens two days before tickets go on sale to everyone else.
- Plan around the closed days, because Zoo Lights doesn't open on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
- Stop at a s'mores or hot cocoa station on your walk, and guests 21+ can trade up to an adult cocoa, hot cider, beer or wine.
- Dress warmly, because this is an evening walk outdoors around the Zoo past light tunnels, animal silhouettes and the holiday train.
Special Events & Promotions
- New this year: adult hot cocoas, hot ciders, beer and wine for guests 21+ every evening.
- Zoo Members can buy tickets from October 13, before the non-member sale on October 15.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see at Zoo Lights?
Several light shows set to holiday music, hanging vine lights, light tunnels and more than 30 lit animal silhouettes. There are also holiday train rides.
What food and drink is there?
There are s'mores and hot cocoa stations. Guests 21+ can also get adult hot cocoas, hot ciders, beer and wine every evening.
Can I buy tickets at the gate?
Only if your date and time haven't sold out. It's a timed-ticket event, and sold-out times aren't available at the gates.
Do Zoo members get early access to tickets?
Yes. Tickets go on sale to Zoo Members on October 13, two days before non-members on October 15.
Where does the money go?
Proceeds go directly to the Zoo and its animals through the winter months.
More Christmas Events Near Lincoln
More Christmas Events near Lincoln
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.