For the first time the Lincoln Children’s Zoo will be kicking off the holiday magic earlier than ever before. Spokesperson Erin Lenz says Zoo Lights Powered by LES will now open before Thanksgiving, resulting in more opportunities for families to attend the popular holiday event.
From November 21-December 30 the Zoo is transformed into a one-of-a-kind light display. “The entire Lincoln Children’s Zoo is covered in lights,” Lenz says. The experience includes multiple light shows choreographed to holiday music, hanging vine lights, a 40-foot Christmas tree, over 30 lit animal silhouettes, holiday train rides, a tree canopy light walk and a 60-foot light tunnel.
Guests can also stop by a s’mores or hot cocoa station. In 2024, the Zoo added a 36,000 square foot light show that mimics a water fountain show, but with lights. “It features a field of meadow grass lights that dance to the music, and 25-foot towers wrapped in lights that move in time with holiday music while closely mimicking the flow of water,” Lenz says.
The zoo lights will be turned on each night from 5:30-9:00, except November 27th, and December 24th and 25th. Tickets will go n sale beginning October 23. Members of Lincoln Children’s Zoo receive early access to purchase tickets beginning October 21. Lights is a timed-ticket event and advanced ticket purchase is highly recommended.
Proceeds from Zoo Lights Powered by LES directly supports the Zoo and animals in the winter months. For more details on Zoo Lights Powered by LES click here.