Cosley Zoo Festival of Lights & Christmas Tree Sale opens Nov. 27

Posted November 17, 2020 10:00 pm

Submitted by Cosley Zoo

Take a stroll through the winter wonderland of Cosley Zoo's Festival of Lights featuring more than 20,000 twinkling lights and a herd of whimsical lighted animal figures. Courtesy of Cosley Zoo

This annual tradition brings so much to the season. A stroll through Cosley Zoo, a visit with the animals, the sounds and sights of the holiday plus that time to shop for trees, wreaths and decorations to deck your own halls.

The festival begins the day after Thanksgiving and runs through Dec. 30. The Wheaton zoo at 1356 N. Gary Ave. is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. with the Christmas lights coming on at 3 p.m.

Admission to the festival is free, however timed entry reservations are required at cosleyzoo.org in order to comply with the Tier 3 Resurgence Mitigations guidelines. Donations are greatly appreciated.

Because capacity at the zoo is limited, walk-up tickets will not be available.

All guests must enter at their reserved entry time. Early and late arrivals may not be able to be accommodated. Face coverings should be worn by all zoo visitors over the ages of 2 when at least 6 feet of distance cannot be maintained between non-household groups.

Cosley Zoo will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year's Day and open from 9 a.m. to noon on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.

Guests can also enjoy a cup of hot chocolate while choosing a tree from a wide selection of Fraser firs, Canaan firs, Douglas firs or Scotch pines.

The zoo will be adorned with animal-themed light displays and trees along Christmas Tree Lane decorated by local families, businesses and organizations.

The Wild Side Gift Shop will be stocked with a variety of unique gifts including children's puzzles, games, holiday ornaments and gifts.

"2020 marks the 37th anniversary of the Festival of Lights, which has become a cherished holiday tradition for countless families. We feel tremendously fortunate to be able to add to the holiday spirit for so many people," said Sue Wahlgren, director of Cosley Zoo.

The Festival of Lights is one of Cosley Zoo's largest fundraisers each year. One hundred percent of the profits from the sale of trees benefit the zoo's important conservation and educational efforts as well as exhibit development and animal care.

Cosley Zoo is selling four varieties of trees ranging from 3 feet to 12 feet. Wreaths, greens, and garland are also available for purchase.

There are low-contact options for the tree sale, including a curbside pick-up or delivery of tree and/or greens pre-selected by Cosley Zoo staff. Call (630) 665-5534 for details.

Follow www.facebook.com/cosleyzoo or www.instagram.com/cosleyzoo/.

As part of the annual Festival of Lights, Cosley Zoo in Wheaton is offering low-contact options for the tree sale, including a curbside pick-up or delivery of tree and/or greens pre-selected by zoo staff. Courtesy of Cosley Zoo

Order your timed tickets now for Cosley Zoo's annual Festival of Lights and Tree Sale, opening Friday, Nov. 27. Courtesy of Cosley Zoo

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