Publication Date: 11/04/2025

Contact: Margie Wilhelmi
Director of Marketing, Wheaton Park District
630.510.4984 | [email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WHEATON – 20,000 twinkling lights, seasonal animal displays, and fresh evergreen trees are just a start to what you can expect during the Cosley Zoo’s Festival of Lights and Christmas Tree Sale beginning November 28 and continuing through December 30.

Shoppers looking for Christmas trees will find a variety of evergreens to choose from including Fraser, Canaan and Douglas firs. Trees come in all sizes, from four-foot-tall trees for smaller spaces to 11-foot-tall that look majestic towering under cathedral ceilings.

Come shop among the animals in a festive atmosphere for your tree, wreaths and garlands!

The zoo will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. There is no admission fee during the festival; donations are encouraged.

“The Festival of Lights is such a cherished family tradition — a time to celebrate the holidays together and experience the zoo in a whole new way, when the animals are especially active and playful,” said Greg Bockheim, Cosley Zoo Director.

Visitors will find other holiday treasures inside the Wild Side Gift Shop. In addition to zoo-themed gifts, the shop will host the Wish Tree for the Animals. By purchasing an ornament, shoppers can give gifts to specific Cosley Zoo animals.

From 3 to 9 p.m. weekdays, hot chocolate will be sold at the Coyote Café.

The zoo also will be hosting Santa’s Craft Corner on Saturday, November 29, December 6 and December 13 from 10am to 2pm. At this event, children will have the opportunity to visit with Santa and make crafts. The fee is $20 per household payable at the door with cash or credit card. No advance registration is required.

All proceeds from these events support the zoo through the Cosley Foundation. The zoo will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. The zoo will be open from 9 a.m. to noon on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

Festival of Lights is sponsored by Fairhaven Wealth & Pure Financial Advisors, Midwest Express Clinic, Tommy’s Express Car Wash, Bright Path Kids and Borter Heating & Air.