Tree Trim
Overview
Decorate a Tree and Bring the Holidays to Life
Celebrate the season with Tree Trim at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, the perfect way to kick off the holidays!
Purchase a tree to decorate and help bring the magic of the holidays to life as part of the beloved Holiday Magic lights festival.
Schools, Girl Scout troops, families, and community groups can create lasting memories with community trees, while businesses can showcase their festive spirit with corporate trees.
Each tree purchase comes with 20 free Zoo tickets, valued at over $600, making it a fun and meaningful way to celebrate the holidays while supporting Brookfield Zoo Chicago. Gather your group, get creative, and be part of the dazzling holiday tradition that lights up Chicagoland!
Community Tree Trim Details
A fully LED-lit tree (additional lights not permitted)
Twenty (20) complimentary general admission passes (valid on November 7 and November 8 only)
Five (5) complimentary parking passes (valid on November 7 and November 8 only)
A sign featuring your town and the names of those who decorated and donated the tree
Recognition at the Zoo from November 7 to January 3
Corporate Tree Trim Details
A fully LED-lit tree near Roosevelt Fountain (additional lights not permitted)
Thirty (30) complimentary general admission passes (valid on November 7 and November 8 only)
Ten (10) complimentary parking passes (valid on November 7 and November 8 only)
A sign featuring your company/organization logo and the names of those who decorated the tree
Recognition at the Zoo from November 7 to January 3
Tree Trim Patches
Patches will not be shipped. They can be picked up at the South Gate Market during Tree Trim Weekend. A limited quantity of patches can be purchased during Tree Trim at the South Gate Market if not sold out. If patches need to be shipped, please call 708-688-8638 for shipping pricing and details.
Tree Trim: Know Before You Go
Tree Trim Ornament Guidelines
Please keep in mind the safety of our animals by reviewing the ornament guidelines to see what materials such as tinsel, glass, porcelain, etc. are not safe to use to decorate your tree. Unsafe items will be removed by staff and disposed of.
Tree Untrim
Collect your ornaments Monday, January 4, 2027 to Sunday, January 10, 2027.
Starting January 11, 2027, Brookfield Zoo Chicago staff will begin taking down any ornaments that have not been picked up. The Zoo will not save ornaments.
Tree Trim Trees
Our Tree Trim trees are beautiful, live trees, thoughtfully selected to bring warmth and joy to the season.
We take great care in choosing high-quality, fresh trees; however, as natural products, they may gradually fade, dry, or shed needles over time.
These seasonal changes are a normal part of having a live tree and can vary depending on the environment. We appreciate your understanding and hope your tree adds a special touch to your celebration.
Members Experience Holiday Magic FREE
The lights. The sparkle. The holiday wonder.
Brookfield Zoo Chicago is the only place in the Chicagoland area that gives members FREE access to our spectacular Holiday Magic light show.
FAQs
Can my group purchase a tree with a check?
No. We ask that all tree purchases must be made through our website.
Where will be tree be located within the Zoo?
Trees are assigned numbers and their location on a first-come, first-served basis. You will receive a confirmation email within a month prior to Tree Trim weekend containing your tree number and location.
Please note, the Zoo cannot guarantee specific tree placement.
I’m a member, do I need a separate ticket to visit for Tree Trim?
No. Anyone with a membership can use their pass to gain entry during Tree Trim weekend.
How do I access my passes?
Your passes will be sent to you via your confirmation email. If you cannot locate a confirmation email and need access to passes, please email admissions with your order details.
Does everyone in my group need a ticket?
Yes. Everyone attending Tree Trim needs a ticket, including parent/adult chaperones.
I don’t know how many people will be attending with my group yet. Do I have to purchase additional tickets at the time I purchase my tree?
No. Additional tickets can be purchased at any time prior to the event. These discounted tickets will be available for purchase online through Friday, November 6, 2026, but not during Tree Trim weekend. Regular priced tickets can be purchased at the gates during Tree Trim weekend.
Visit the Tree Trim webpage to purchase additional Tree Trim admission or parking tickets.
Please note: since tickets are sent directly to group leaders, group leaders do not have to purchase additional tickets on behalf of the whole group. Individual participants can purchase their own additional tickets, if they choose.
My group will be purchasing more than one tree. Can our trees be placed next to each other?
Please purchase both/all of your trees in the same order. If you need to place two separate orders, please email us as soon as possible with your order numbers and we will do our best to have your trees placed next to each other. Trees next to each other are not guaranteed.
I purchased my tree and have my tickets. What happens next?
You will receive a secondary confirmation email that will contain your tree number, location within the Zoo, and additional event details at least a month prior to Tree Trim weekend. If you have not yet received your secondary confirmation email a month prior to Tree Trim weekend, please let us know.
A tree was purchased for our group. How do we find out what our tree number is and get our tickets?
The group leader (or person who placed the order) will receive specific information regarding your tree order. Please contact them directly for details about your group outing.
Can we add our own lights to the tree?
No. Due to safety and power regulations, additional lights cannot be added to the trees and will be removed.
My group would like to participate but cannot afford a tree. What are my options?
Groups are allowed to find sponsors/donors to underwrite the cost of their tree. The signs in front of trees have space to include the name of the group that decorated the tree as well as the group/company/individual who donated the tree as a way to give recognition to tree sponsors/donors.
What happens to our ornaments?
Groups are allowed to come back to retrieve remaining ornaments from their tree anytime from January 4 through January 10, 2027. On January 11, staff and volunteers will begin removing any remaining ornaments from the trees. These ornaments will not be saved for your group.
Please do not use valuable or sentimental items as ornaments – Brookfield Zoo Chicago is not responsible for ornaments/decorations that are missing or stolen.
My group cannot attend on November 8 or 9. Can we still participate?
Please email us to see if accommodations can be made.
What if it snows or rains during Tree Trim weekend?
Brookfield Zoo Chicago is open rain or shine or snow! The main pathways of the park will be cleared of snow and trees will still be accessible. Please dress appropriately for the weather, including proper shoes/boots
Who can I contact if I have additional questions about Tree Trim?
Please email tree.trim@brookfieldzoo.org. This mailbox is managed September to January. If your question is outside of this window, please email info@brookfieldzoo.org.
See Your Tree During Holiday Events
Holiday Magic
We’re lighting up the night this holiday season! Returning with a brand new light display, celebrate more than 40 years of Holiday Magic.
Holiday Magic: Sip & Stroll
This 21+ evening offers a festive mix of holiday cheer, warm drinks, and seasonal cocktails as you explore the zoo’s dazzling holiday lights before the main event opens to the public.
