ComEd brightens Chicago’s winter with two breathtaking mild experiences at Lincoln Park Zoo and the Chicago Botanic Backyard
Chicago’s seasonal glow: two must-see ComEd-powered mild occasions
Because the calendar turns towards winter, Chicagoans can stay up for two spectacular vacation mild occasions backed by ComEd that carry national-class experiences to the area. Every gives a definite vibe and setting—one city and full of life, the opposite serene and immersive. Right here’s what that you must know.
City sparkle on the zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo’s annual occasion, titled ZooLights Introduced by Invesco QQQ and ComEd, kicks off on November 21, 2025 and runs by means of January 4, 2026.
Guests can be immersed in additional than 3 million lights and a whole bunch of LED shows throughout the zoo grounds. A dramatic mild tunnel on the Important Mall, a towering Ferris wheel journey providing skyline views, and even a re-imagined mild present on the South Garden known as “Zooltide,” narrated in English and Spanish, are among the many highlights.
ComEd’s involvement is clearly front-and-center, co-branding the occasion and guaranteeing it stays a high-profile accomplice in Chicago’s vacation season.In choosing your go to date, notice: the occasion runs nightly from roughly 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Free admission Mondays are supplied on choose dates with advance registration.
This occasion combines the enjoyment of vacation lights with Chicago’s distinct city power. From roasted s’mores round hearth pits to open-air bars and adult-only nights, there’s one thing for households, {couples} and teams alike.
An illuminated path of nature and surprise
Simply exterior Chicago, on the Chicago Botanic Backyard in Glencoe, lies the immersive path expertise known as Lightscape. For the 2025-26 season it runs November 14, 2025 – January 4, 2026.
The place the zoo occasion is city and social, Lightscape gives a mile-plus wand of lighted magic by means of botanical landscapes. The path spans 1.3 miles and options 80 % new mild and sound installations this 12 months. Visitors can stroll amid illuminated bushes, tunnels of colour, floating lilies of sunshine, and ingenious art-infused shows.
The expertise is equally tailor-made for households—with particular “Jingle Jam Household Nights” in December—and for adults looking for a festive evening out with cocktails and music.
Sensible tip: Gown warmly and plan for the outside setting—path runs from 4:30 to 10:30 p.m. (final entry at 8:30 p.m.). Parking have to be bought upfront for non-members.
Why these occasions matter
ComEd’s assist ties into extra than simply signage. On the zoo, the lights are powered by wind power and all LED shows, reflecting a sustainable imaginative and prescient for vacation celebrations. Each occasions display how seasonal experiences could be elevated by means of strategic partnerships and considerate manufacturing.
For Chicago residents and guests, they provide handy and elevated choices: one proper within the coronary heart of the town, the opposite in lush backyard environment. They assist set the tone for the vacation season early, giving individuals possibilities to create significant recollections with buddies, household or colleagues.
Go to planning & ideas
Timing issues: Nighttime is the one time these occasions function, so choose an arrival slot and plan for chilly climate.
Tickets & reservations: Safe your tickets early. The Botanic Backyard occasion is timed-entry and sells out. The ZooLights occasion has free Monday nights (with superior registration) however restricted slots.
Transportation & parking: For the Chicago Botanic Backyard, non-member parking is required and must be bought forward. For Lincoln Park Zoo, public transit or rideshare is likely to be greatest to keep away from downtown parking hassles.
Particular nights: Each occasions embody themed nights (adult-only, household pleasant, and so on.)—test occasion web sites for actual dates and choices.
What to pack: Heat layers, snug strolling footwear, and a digital camera for these memorable mild shows. Anticipate a few 1.3-mile stroll on the backyard.
Make it an outing: Pair with dinner in Lincoln Park for ZooLights or brunch in Glencoe for Lightscape. These mild reveals provide greater than illumination—they anchor the night.
With these two standout ComEd-backed shows, Chicago gives one thing for everybody this vacation season: the city, full of life spectacle at Lincoln Park Zoo and the immersive pure magic on the Chicago Botanic Backyard. Plan forward, arrive early, and let the lights spark pleasure and reminiscence.
