Lights are still twinkling on holiday displays, fests
Christmas may be over, but you can still enjoy holiday lights at spots across the suburbs.
Cosley Zoo Festival of Lights and Tree Sale: Open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, lights on at 3 p.m. through Sunday, Dec. 30, at Cosley Zoo, 1356 N. Gary Ave., Wheaton. See thousands of twinkling lights in an animal-themed display. Free admission. www.cosleyzoo.org.
Wonderland Express: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Saturday, Jan. 6, at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Marvel at festive displays of miniature trains and Chicago-area landmarks. $13; $10 seniors and kids 3-12; $20-$25 parking per vehicle. (847) 835-5440 or chicagobotanic.org.
Holiday Magic: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. through Monday, Dec. 31, at Brookfield Zoo, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. Now in its 37th year, this is the Chicago area's largest and longest-running lights festival. See website for admission prices. www.czs.org/holidaymagic.
Holiday in the Park: 2 to 9 p.m. through Sunday, Dec. 30, and 2 to 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 31, at Six Flags Great America, 1 Great America Parkway, Gurnee. Check out light shows, enjoy a holiday revue, visit with characters, see more than 2 million LED lights, make s'mores over open fire pits and take a spin on the rides. $77.99; $57.99 for those under 48 inches tall. (847) 249-1776 or sixflags.com/greatamerica.
Illumination: Timed tickets available for slots from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. through Monday, Jan. 1, at The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. Outdoor light exhibit transforms trees along a one-mile path surrounded by 50 acres of trees. In addition, visitors can see five sculptures in the Crown of Light experience. The arboretum features entertainment on some days as well as concession tents. Tickets cost $18-$23 for adults and $12-$15 for kids. mortonarb.org.
Mooseheart Holiday Lights: 5 to 9 p.m. daily through Monday, Dec. 31, along the Mooseheart campus, off Route 31, just south of Batavia. One of the largest shows in the Chicago area, it features about 80 displays on a 1.8-mile route. Admission is cash only: $10 for cars; special rates for buses. Proceeds benefit Mooseheart Child City and School. www.moosecharities.org.
Santa's Rock n Lights show: 5 to 10 p.m. nightly through Monday, Dec. 31, at the Lake County Fairgrounds and Event Center, 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake. Drive through the fairgrounds to check out thousands of twinkling lights. $25-$35. santasrocknlights.com.