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Tree Trim at Brookfield Zoo
Brookfield, IL
Community and corporate trees decorated for holiday lights festival
About
Experience the magic of the holiday season at Brookfield Zoo Chicago's Tree Trim event. This beloved tradition invites schools, families, and businesses to decorate a tree, contributing to the dazzling Holiday Magic lights festival. It's a unique opportunity to create lasting memories while supporting the zoo.
Our Take
Family Friendly
Best For
Families, community groups, corporate teams
Vibe
Festive, community-oriented, creative
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
Mid-Range
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Low
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.
Location
Event Details
Pricing
Community Tree Trim: $225, Corporate Tree Trim: $650. Additional General Admission Tickets: $10, Additional Parking Tickets: $15. Commemorative Patches: $4.50.
Duration
2 days
Ages
All ages
Schedule
Saturday, November 8 and Sunday, November 9, 2025. Tree UnTrim will take place from January 5-18, 2026.
Organizer
Brookfield Zoo Chicago / Chicago Zoological Society
Practical Information
Parking
Complimentary parking passes are included with tree purchase for event days. Additional parking tickets can be purchased.
Pet Policy
Service animals welcome
Food & Drink
Additional General Admission Tickets and Parking Tickets available for purchase.
Quick Actions
Tips & Advice
- Purchase additional general admission and parking tickets in advance online to secure discounted rates for your guests.
- Carefully review the ornament guidelines to ensure all decorations are safe for the animals and will not be removed.
- Plan your visit for the designated event days to fully experience the decorated trees as part of the Holiday Magic lights festival.
- Consider visiting during daylight hours to explore the zoo and then returning in the evening to see the trees illuminated.
- If retrieving ornaments during the Tree UnTrim, arrive early as popular trees may have their ornaments picked over quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included with the Community Tree Trim?
A fully LED-lit tree, twenty (20) complimentary general admission passes (valid on November 8 and November 9 only), five (5) complimentary parking passes (valid on November 8 and November 9 only), a sign featuring your town and the names of those who decorated and donated the tree, and recognition at the Zoo from November 8 to January 11.
What is included with the Corporate Tree Trim?
A fully LED-lit tree near Roosevelt Fountain, thirty (30) complimentary general admission passes (valid on 11/8 and 11/9 only), ten (10) complimentary parking passes (valid on 11/8 and 11/9 only), a sign featuring your company/organization logo and the names of those who decorated the tree, and recognition at the Zoo from November 8 to January 11.
Can I purchase additional admission or parking tickets?
Yes, General Admission Tickets are $10 and Parking Tickets are $15, valid only on November 8 and November 9. These discounted tickets MUST be purchased in advance through the Tree Trim webpage. Tickets purchased onsite will not be discounted.
Are there any restrictions on tree decorations?
Yes, please review the ornament guidelines to see what materials such as tinsel, glass, porcelain, etc. are not safe to use. Unsafe items will be removed by staff and disposed of. Do not use valuable or sentimental items as ornaments, as Brookfield Zoo Chicago is not responsible for missing or stolen ornaments.
When is the Tree UnTrim event?
Tree UnTrim will take place from January 5-18, 2026, when groups are allowed to come back to retrieve remaining ornaments from their tree. Staff and volunteers will begin removing any remaining ornaments on January 19.