Celebrate the Holidays with Magical Moments at Brookfield Zoo

Brookfield Zoo Holiday Magic is a popular event that takes place at the Brookfield Zoo in Brookfield, Illinois. This enchanting event has been a beloved tradition for many years, attracting visitors of all ages. During the Holiday Magic event, the zoo is transformed into a winter wonderland, adorned with more than one million twinkling lights. The magical ambiance creates a festive atmosphere that instantly puts visitors in the holiday spirit. One of the highlights of the event is the Lights and Lanterns exhibit. This stunning display features an array of beautifully crafted lanterns that illuminate the zoo with their vibrant colors and intricate designs.

Monday through Saturday, December 26-31

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This stunning display features an array of beautifully crafted lanterns that illuminate the zoo with their vibrant colors and intricate designs. From majestic animals to whimsical characters, these lanterns add a touch of whimsy and enchantment to the zoo. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of holiday-themed activities and entertainment.

Sing to the animals at Brookfield Zoo's Holiday Magic

The Brookfield Zoo has been attracting loyal visitors to its Holiday Magic lights festival since 1981.

This year's Holiday Magic will be from 4-9 p.m. Dec.2-3, 9-10, 16-17 and 26-31. The zoo opens at 10 a.m. It is free with zoo admission.

Carolyn Wilkin, events manager at Brookfield Zoo, said that a lot of the traditional elements will return for the 36th year of Holiday Magic, including a model railroad display and the popular 41-foot LED Talking Tree.

"The kids can meet with Santa on the dates prior to Christmas. We have ice carvers that will be out, we have our magician that will be out every night, we have community performances in our Holly Jolly Theater; everything from singing groups to dancing groups," she said. "We do Singing to the Animals … there's a whole bunch of activities that we have during Holiday Magic in addition to all of the light displays."

In addition, the zoo restaurants and food stands will be open with full menus.

"We have over one million lights that we put up throughout that entire zoo, so we kind of cover the zoo from every end," she said. "There are lights in the trees, and this year we actually have a couple different bigger displays so we will have some 3-D light-up animals that will be on the main walkways of the zoo."

Wilkin said Holiday Magic started in 1981 as a small event.

"It was just something to remind people we were open 365 days a year … even on Christmas Day," she said. "It was an event to remind people that we're here and we're relevant even in the winter."

In the beginning, there were about 20 trees lit throughout the park, she said.

People from all over come to Holiday Magic, said Elizabeth Sterchele, assistant events manager.

The Brookfield Zoo’s annual Holiday Magic runs selected nights from Dec. 2-31. In addition to trees decorated by community members, the Zoo boasts lighting displays and decorations. ( Brookfield Zoo )

"Last year after 4 p.m. when Holiday Magic starts, we had 99,000 people in the park over 12 days. It's a huge impact. On our biggest day, we had 26,000 people the day after Christmas. It was a big crowd."

"It is definitely an event that draws from all over the entire Chicagoland area," Wilkin agreed. "Since it's been around so long, it's a very traditional event. People who came here as kids are now bringing their kids back. It's a really family-focused event."

Sterchele agreed. "We get people who tell us that years ago they used to come as a kid and they just can't believe how much it has changed and grown and how big it is," she said. "We sit on about 216 acres and we pretty much light up about 90 percent of the park."

"I think one of the most unique things about it is that is has been around for so long," Wilkin said. "I came every year when I was a kid, I participated in the community tree trim and now many years later I'm back heading it up."

Families can come early in the day and still not see everything the zoo has to offer, Sterchele said. And the nighttime is a totally different experience.

"The animals are out. We do special Zoo Chats and Sing to the Animals," she said. "There are different activities that involve the animals so people get to see them at different times than normal. They're seeing them in the evening and interacting with them in a different way, which is really neat, and I think that is really unique to us because there's not many places you can have that experience with the animals."

It's fun to see the animals in the evening, she said, and if there is snow on the ground for them to play in, that's even better.

Wilkin said they try to incorporate new elements into their lighting displays each year, be it through spotlights or laser light shows.

"It's a good mix of the old and the new. And we involve the community as much as we possibly can," she said. "There are four or five performances every night of community groups that come in and perform."

The community tree-trimming event, which occurs the weekend before Thanksgiving, is the official kick-off to Holiday Magic, she said. Community groups come in and deck out their own trees in whatever theme they dream up.

Brookfield Zoo’s Holiday Magic features over a million lights. ( Brookfield Zoo )

"Last year we had 535 different community groups that participated and 56 corporate groups, so we're hoping to hit the 600 mark this year," Wilkin said. "Of course, we get a lot of groups that decorate trees in memory of folks. There's a lot of families that … decorate a tree in honor of a loved one that they've lost. So those trees are always kind of heart-wrenching. We have some families who want a specific number every year because it has a special meaning to them. There's a woman who calls every year and wants a specific number, and it was her son's basketball number on his jersey. So she gets that tree every year."

On a sunnier note, a groups of Parrotheads (Jimmy Buffet fans) will decorate trees in a tropical island theme.

"Something really creative is we had a group last year that put LEGO on their tree. They made ornaments that looked like LEGO," Wilkin said. "People get really creative, it's really fun to see. We've even had trees that have been used for marriage proposals."

"One of the dance groups put ballet shoes on their tree," Sterchele said. "They're one of our groups that perform at the Holly Jolly Theater."

Holiday Magic is a tradition in the Chicago area, Wilkin said. People constantly tell her they come every year and have a routine down.

For Sterchele, she loves to see the reaction of the children.

"When little kids come in and see the lights and the magnitude and scale that we do everything … they kind of have a drop-jaw moment like, 'This is so cool!," she said. "It's neat to see little kids get so excited about it. And big kids too."

"It's fun for the whole family and a way to get people out and active," Wilkin said. "Whether you're here on a date or you're here with your little kids or you're here with grandma and grandpa — it works for everybody."

The Magic ends Dec. 31 with the annual Zoo Year's Eve celebration. There is a ball drop at 8 p.m. and activities include a DJ, games and more.

Annie Alleman is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.

Holiday Magic

When: Dec. 2-31

Where: Brookfield Zoo, 8400 31st St., Brookfield

Tickets: Adults: $19.85; seniors 65 and over and kids 3-11: $14.50. Parking is $12

Holiday Magic is a tradition in the Chicago area, Wilkin said. People constantly tell her they come every year and have a routine down.

Children can take a ride on the Polar Express, a miniature train that takes them on a journey through a snowy landscape. There are also carolers and musical performances throughout the zoo, filling the air with festive melodies. In addition to the dazzling lights and entertainment, Holiday Magic offers educational opportunities. Visitors can learn about the importance of conservation and the zoo's efforts to protect endangered species. Interactive exhibits and presentations provide a fun and educational experience for all. Of course, no holiday event would be complete without a visit from Santa Claus. Children can meet Santa, share their holiday wishes, and even take a memorable photo with him. It's a magical experience that brings joy and wonder to the little ones. Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo truly captures the essence of the holiday season. With its dazzling lights, enchanting displays, and festive entertainment, it brings smiles to the faces of visitors year after year. It's no wonder that this event has become a cherished tradition for so many families in the area. So, whether you're young or young at heart, make sure to visit Brookfield Zoo during the holiday season to experience the magic for yourself. You won't be disappointed!.

Reviews for "Brookfield Zoo's Holiday Magic: A Memorable Holiday Experience"

1. John - 2/5 - I was highly disappointed with the "Brookfield Zoo Holiday Magic" event. The tickets were overpriced for what it offered. The supposed "holiday magic" was just a few Christmas lights scattered around the zoo. There were hardly any special activities or shows to make it feel like a festive event. The lines for food and drinks were extremely long and the quality of the food was mediocre at best. Overall, it did not live up to the hype and I would not recommend it to others.

2. Sarah - 3/5 - Although I had high expectations for the "Brookfield Zoo Holiday Magic," it failed to impress me. The event lacked organization and there was not enough signage or information available. It was difficult to navigate through the zoo and find the different attractions. The amount of holiday decorations was also underwhelming. However, I did appreciate the efforts put into some of the animal-themed light displays. The event has potential, but improvements need to be made in order to make it truly magical.

3. David - 2/5 - I regretted attending the "Brookfield Zoo Holiday Magic" event. It felt like a money grab, as everything inside required an additional fee. The tickets alone were quite expensive, but then there were charges for parking, food, and even some of the activities. The promised holiday atmosphere was lacking, and there were not enough interactive experiences for kids. Additionally, the layout of the event was confusing and crowded, making it difficult to fully enjoy the zoo. I definitely did not get my money's worth and would not recommend this event to others.

Discover the Magic of the Season at Brookfield Zoo's Holiday Event