Illinois: Zoo Lights at Lincoln Park Zoo
Go wild this holiday season with a visit to Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo. An annual Windy City tradition, Zoo Lights features a 40-foot tall Christmas tree, more than 30 lit animal silhouettes, a tree canopy light walk, a 60-foot light tunnel, and lots of fun, family-friendly activities like holiday train rides plus s'mores and hot cocoa stations.
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Indiana: Santa Claus Christmas Celebration
As you might expect from a town named Santa Claus, this community in Indiana really goes all out for Christmas. The main event is a three-weekend-long Santa Claus Christmas Celebration, during which you'll find a festive parade, freshly roasted chestnuts, and plenty of shopping opportunities. One of the highlights is the story of Rudolph told in brilliant LED lights over a 1.2-mile drive at a place called — wait for it — Lake Rudolph, a popular RV park and campground run by Sun Outdoors.