Take The Family To See Brookfield Zoo Holiday Magic

By Prescott Carlson

Updated 05/16/17

Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo
Photo via Brookfield Zoo

Holiday Magic In Brief: Chicagoland's second zoo hosts the Largest and Longest Running Lights Festival in the area. Get into the holiday season with decorations of almost one million lights, a laser light show, carolers, storytellers and more. Many of the indoor exhibits will be open for viewing animals, plus there will be "singing to the animals" and special "zoo chats." New exhibitions include a 41-foot talking tree and Polar Lights show.

In addition, the zoo's restaurants and food stands will be open with full menus and holiday treats, and gift shops will have hundreds of unique items. The exhibition is included in the admission price to the zoo.

Where:

Brookfield Zoo, 8400 W. 31st St., Brookfield, Ill.

When:

It runs 4-9 p.m. Dec. 3-4, 10-11, 17-18, and Dec. 26-31

Time:

Open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; festivities begin at 4 p.m.

Admission:

Regular zoo admission applies: adults $16.95; seniors 65 and older and children ages three to 11 $11.95

Getting to Holiday Magic By Public Transportation:

The Metra Rail Burlington Northern line runs from Union Station downtown to the "Zoo Stop" (Hollywood) station and from there it is only a 2 block northeast walk to the zoo.

Parking at Holiday Magic:

Regular Brookfield Zoo rates apply: $9 for cars/vans, $12 for buses. Members park free (north lot).

About Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo:

The Brookfield Zoo really goes all out for the Christmas season, attracting visitors from all over with beautiful sights and music for all ages.

Highlights include:

  • Almost one million lights
  • "Dancing Tree Lights," a computer choreographed light show
  • Laser light show
  • Carolers and choirs
  • Storytellers
  • Ice carving demonstrations
  • Magicians
  • Costumed characters
  • Special "Meet the Keeper" inside various exhibit buildings

Top 6 Chicago Holiday Events

  • Caroling at Cloud Gate in Millennium Park (Fridays, Nov. 25 through Dec. 16): Revelers are encouraged to bundle up and get ready to belt out some holiday classics at these festive events that are part concert, part sing-along. Local choral groups lead hundreds of celebrants in song. Santa makes an appearance 5-6 p.m.; Caroling commences 6-7 p.m.

  • Christkindlmarket Chicago in Daley Plaza (Nov. 18-Dec. 24): This Christmas holiday market takes place in Daley Plaza through Christmas Eve and offers unique crafts and gifts for sale, live entertainment, as well as German-focused food and drinks.The largest of its kind in the United States, this German holiday market offers unique crafts and gifts for sale, a variety of entertainment, as well as German food and drinks.

  • Ice Skating kicks off at Millennium Park on Nov. 18: The rink draws more than 100,000 skaters annually and is free and open to the public. Located on Michigan Avenue between Washington and Madison Streets, the rink offers skate rental for $12.

  • Lincoln Park Zoo's ZooLights (Nov. 25-27, Dec. 2-4, 9-23, 26-31; Jan. 1): Every year from the day after Thanksgiving until New Year's Day, Lincoln Park Zoo decorates the zoo with strings of lights and bright displays, and extends their hours into the evening in celebration of the holiday season. But it's not just about the lights. The zoo provides other Christmas attractions as well such as Santa's Safari and a Holiday Express train.
  • Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier (Dec. 2-Jan. 8): Experience Chicago’s biggest indoor winter playground featuring 170,000 square feet of rides, giant slides, the Chicago Blackhawks Ice Skating Rink and more.