This year’s temperate weather has made it tougher than usual to get into the holiday spirit, but a stroll in the Lincoln Park Zoo should aid your festive fulfillment. ZooLights, a dazzling display of lights throughout the zoo grounds runs through January 1, 2012.
Each winter between Thanksgiving and New Years’, Chicagoans enjoy a stunning seasonal series at the zoo which, as always, is absolutely free! The zoo’s extended hours run until 9pm nightly. If the glow of 2 million beautiful bulbs isn’t enough, ZooLights also includes live ice carvings, holiday train and carousel rides, crafts, and giant snow globes. While many of the zoo’s inhabitants are not on display, others, including lions and reptiles, can be seen in the indoor animal houses. An hour’s tour of the zoo will put you in a winter wonder state-of-mind, especially when paired with the spiced wine.
In another instance of personal Chicago winter firsts, my ZooLights highlights include the trippy flashing light tunnel, and the electric light orchestra of seasonal splendor in sequence with the timeless caroling of Mariah in a Christmas union that evoked pure delight from my erstwhile holiday blasé. So go and soak up ZooLights’ Technicolor enchantment; when the winter blahs set in it will keep you feeling bright.
Lincoln Park Zoo
2200 N. Cannon Drive
Chicago, IL 60614
Jessica Mlinaric founded Urban Explorer in 2010 to inspire curious travelers by highlighting history, culture, and hidden gems in Chicago and beyond. She is the author of ‘Secret Chicago’ and ‘Chicago Scavenger.’ Jessica has visited 20+ countries and 30+ U.S. states. She has more than 16 years of experience as a marketing strategist and works as a freelance writer and photographer.
