Holiday Magic at the Brookfield Zoo

Dave took the whole week between Christmas and New Year's off.  I also had some free passes to the Brookfield Zoo, put those two things together and you get a family outing to the zoo.  I wouldn't particularly recommend the zoo in December, although it has been so unseasonably warm with no snow that this was definitely the year to do it.  Another advantage of going at this time of year is that the zoo is open into the evening for what is called Holiday Magic.

The whole zoo is decorated with Christmas trees and lights.  When the sun sets, the whole place transforms into a "magical" light extravaganza.  Besides visiting the animals, there are also lots of special family entertainment events.  We saw a cool laser show, magic show, and watched an ice carving demonstration.  For the ice carving, the girls got right up close and were excited until the chainsaw came out and they realized that they were right in the line of fire for the ice spray that came flying in their faces.  They were a little too cold for that.

As for the animals, the polar bears playing were definitely the highlight.  What a fun family outing that finished with a yummy dinner at Portillos!