Brookfield Zoo

Celebrating its 40th year in 2021, Brookfield Zoo's annual Holiday Magic will be held on 23 nights. Don your winter duds to stroll various pathways lit with more than two-million LED lights, including the 600-foot-long Tunnel of Lights synchronized to music. Stand inside a 20-foot-lit orb or the new illuminated gingerbread house to snap holiday photos, and take in a few of larger-than-life illuminated animal sculptures. The West Mall showcases the new "Sea of Lights," a vibrant display created with lights measuring one mile long. Inside the North Gate, you can't miss the 41-foot-tree sashaying to choreographed music. Distract from the weirdness of 2021 by viewing open animal areas, including dolphin presentations at 4 and 6 p.m. Need to nosh? Outdoor food stands offer seasonal fare from funnel cakes and burgers to spiced wine, beer, and hot chocolate.