Zoo Lights Powered by LES
November 21 - December 30, 2025
5:30 - 9:00 pm
Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Get in the holiday spirit with Zoo Lights Powered by LES! During this event, the Zoo is transformed into one of the largest lights displays in the Midwest. Experience multiple light shows choreographed to holiday music, hanging vine lights, light tunnels, over 30 lit animal silhouettes, holiday train rides, and more! Don't forget to stop by a s'mores or hot cocoa station for tasty holiday treats. Proceeds from Zoo Lights Powered by LES directly supports the Zoo and animals in the winter months.
For guests ages 21+, enhance your Zoo Lights experience with adult hot cocoas and hot ciders. Plus beer and wine offerings. Alcohol service will be available for guests 21+ Thursday-Sunday evenings.
Zoo Lights Powered by LES is a timed-ticket event. Ticket dates and times will sell out. Tickets will not be available at the gates during the event if tickets have sold out. Advanced ticket purchase is highly recommended.
Zoo Lights Powered by LES tickets on sale soon!
Member Early Access • Tuesday, October 21 at 10 a.m.
Tickets on sale to the public • Thursday, October 23 at 10 a.m.
Sign up for our email newsletter to be the first to be notified when Zoo Lights Powered by LES tickets go on sale.
Zoo Members receive early access and discounted tickets to Zoo Lights Powered Powered by LES. Become a Zoo Member today to receive these amazing benefits.
Tickets
All Zoo Lights Powered by LES tickets are non-refundable. Tickets are only transferable with the purchase of Ticket Assurance.
General Admission Tickets
- General admission tickets have specific timed entry. Your tickets are valid 30 minutes after your ticket purchase time. For example, if you purchased tickets for 7pm, then your tickets are valid for entry from 7pm-7:30pm.
- General admission includes entry to the event and commemorative 3D glasses.
- All those ages 2 and above require an admission ticket.
VIP Admission Tickets
- Be the first to enter the event at 5:30pm or enter anytime during the event with minimal wait time.
- VIP admission includes:
- Entry to the event and commemorative 3D glasses
- Zoo Lights Powered by LES souvenir hot cocoa cup
- A holiday train ride
- All those ages 2 and above require an admission ticket.
Zoo Member Discount
- Lincoln Children's Zoo Members receive discounted ticket prices to Zoo Lights Powered by LES.
- Zoo Members may only reserve tickets at the membership rate for family listed on their Zoo membership. Any additional tickets reserved outside of the family members listed on your membership must be purchased using the non-member ticket option. Please have photo ID and membership card ready for membership verification. All tickets reserved outside of your membership will be null and void.
To Receive Your Member Discount
Enter the e-mail address on your membership, or member number to receive your discount. The discount is automatically applied after your membership information is entered.
Ticket Assurance
Add peace of mind to your purchase! For a percentage of your total ticket cost calculated during checkout, ticket assurance allows you to change the date and/or time of your Zoo Lights tickets up to one time - no questions asked. We understand things come up: illness, road conditions, plans change, and more. Ticket assurance makes it easy to reschedule so you don't miss out on the fun!
How it works:
- If you selected the ticket assurance option during checkout, you can reschedule your own tickets using the link in your order confirmation e-mail!
- Reschedule your tickets by 3:00 p.m. on the day of your scheduled tickets. Tickets are non-transferrable after 3:00 p.m.
- Transfers are valid for one-time use only and must be for Zoo Lights Powered by LES.
- Ticket assurance does not allow refunds.
Please Note: Tickets will not be rescheduled if ticket assurance was not purchased during checkout. Ticket assurance is not required to reschedule if Zoo Lights Powered by LES is cancelled by the Zoo.
| General Event Ticket Timed entry at 6pm, 6:30pm, 7pm, 7:30pm and 8pm | Price |
|---|---|
| Lincoln Children's Zoo Member | $13.95 |
| Non-member | $16.95 |
| Holiday Train Ride | $3.00 |
Alcohol service will be available for guests 21+ Thursday-Sunday evenings.
| VIP Ticket 5:30pm entry time or anytime during the evening | Price |
|---|---|
| Lincoln Children's Zoo Member | $22.95 |
| Non-member | $25.95 |
| Holiday Train Ride | Included with VIP tickets |
Alcohol service will be available for guests 21+ Thursday-Sunday evenings
Frequently Asked Questions
I can no longer attend during my chosen date/time, can I reschedule my tickets?
• You may reschedule your tickets only if you purchased Ticket Assurance. With Ticket Assurance you may reschedule your tickets up to 3:00 p.m. on your scheduled date. Tickets are non-transferable after 3:00 p.m. the day of.
I can no longer attend during my chosen date/time, can I receive a refund?
• No, tickets to Zoo Lights Powered by LES are non-refundable.
What should I expect at Zoo Lights Powered by LES?
• Zoo Lights Powered by LES is full of holiday fun for all ages! Experience multiple light shows choreographed to holiday music, hanging vine lights, light tunnels, over 30 lit animal silhouettes, holiday train rides, hot cocoa, s’mores and more!
What does timed ticket entry mean?
• Zoo Lights Powered by LES is a timed ticket entry event. This means when you purchase a ticket, you will select the time you wish to enter the Zoo. While you must enter during your selected half hour window, you are not limited to an amount of time in the Zoo, your experience can take as long as you would like.
What's included with the VIP ticket?
•VIP tickets include early entry starting at 5:30 p.m., a commemorative cocoa cup with your choice of cocoa or hot cider, commemorative 3D glasses, and a train ride.
What's included with the General Admission ticket?
• General admission includes entry to the event and commemorative 3D glasses. Other items can be purchased as add-ons.
Can I bring in outside food and beverages into the event?
• No, guests are not allowed to bring in outside food and beverages during Zoo Lights Powered by LES.
Can I purchase tickets at the gate during the event?
• Tickets will only be available at the gates if that date/time has not sold out. Advanced ticket purchase is highly recommended to ensure you can visit on your desired date/time.
Are s'mores and hot cocoa included with my general admission ticket?
• S'mores, hot cocoa, and other snack items are not included with your ticket and may be purchased for an additional cost.
Will Zoo Lights Powered by LES be open on Christmas?
•No, Zoo Lights Powered by LES will be closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Can I purchase add-ons to my general admission ticket?
•Yes, train tickets can be purchased as an add-on.
Who needs a ticket?
• Everyone two years and older will need a ticket to the event. Guests two and older who wish to ride the train will require a train ticket. Train tickets on membership accounts are not valid at special events.
Will Santa be at Zoo Lights Powered by LES?
• Unfortunately Santa is very busy this time of year at the North Pole. There will still be tons of holiday fun and memorable moments including light shows, holiday train rides, walk through light tunnels and more!
Will Zoo Lights Powered by LES be cancelled due to the weather?
• Zoo Lights Powered by LES is a rain or shine event, however the Zoo has the ability to cancel if weather conditions are dangerous. In the event an evening is cancelled, all ticket holders for that date will receive an email containing information on how to reschedule your tickets.
