Christmas may be behind us, but it’s not too late to continue celebrating the spirit of the season.
Brookfield Zoo will wrap up its 30th Annual Holiday Magic festival Dec. 28 to 31 from 4 to 9 p.m. and will say hello to 2012 with a special “Zoo Year’s Eve” geared toward families event on Saturday, Dec. 31.
Hundreds of trees are decked out in colorful lights and visitors can enjoy a 10-minute laser show on the zoo’s East Mall beginning each night at 5:30 p.m. and repeating every half hour until 8:30 p.m.
Stroll the paths, sing to the animals, chat with zoo staff and catch the special dolphin show every evening at 6:30 p.m.
On Dec. 31, celebrate an early countdown to 2012 during an event that will include an arts-and-crafts activity, for which children can make their own noise makers, and then join in one of the Play Zoo parades happening at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.
There will also be music, games, and prizes, as well as an early countdown to the New Year at 8 p.m. in the Holly Jolly Theater and Hamill Family Play Zoo.
Guests should park in Brookfield Zoo’s main parking lot (First Avenue and 31st Street). Activities are free (with the exception of rides, photo opportunities and dolphin presentation) with paid admission of $13.50 for adults and $9.50 for children ages 3-11 and seniors 65 and older. Children 2 and under are free. Car parking is $9.00; bus parking is $12.00.
For up-to-date information on scheduled entertainment and activities, go online to www.CZS.org/events or call 708-688-8000. Guests will also receive a schedule of events when they arrive.
