10 Spectacular Illuminations

On the tenth day of Christmas we're wondering if ComEd is giving the Lincoln Park Zoo a discount rate on the electricity needed to light up all those bulbs?


Last weekend we took advantage of the mild weather to wander around Lincoln Park Zoo Lights. It was definitely... wait for it ... a zoo! There were plenty of people crammed into the park to see the spectacular illuminations.

But who can argue with a price tag that reads FREE?!?


We're partial to Nutcrackers in our house... so this was a particular favorite.


I didn't even have to wait in line with the screaming kids to nab this shot. Thank you, Santa!
Of course this reminded us of our nephew that will be born in a few weeks! (...his dad has an inexplicable dragon obsession)

This guy - one of just a few live animals we saw - was asleep as far as we could tell.  Creepy.
These lights were choreographed and danced to the music. Of course I took the opportunity to shake my thang too.
If you haven't had a chance to see the (did I mention free?!?) Zoo Lights, you still have time. The park will be open (and probably crowded) from 5-9 pm on Dec 21-23, 26-31 and Jan 1-6th.

This will definitely be a new holiday tradition for us! Twinkle lights, holiday tunes and thousands of our closest friends all created a memorable Christmas celebration.

When it comes to Holiday events, do you brave the crowds or celebrate at home instead?