Every year, the holiday season just seems to sneak up on me, and this year is no different. I can't believe that in just a few short weeks, the Zoolights! program is again beginning at the Lincoln Park Zoo. Zoolights! features holiday decorations, a laser light show, ice sculpting, family crafts and activities, and over one million Christmas lights. It's quite a unique winter wonderland, and is a big hit with kids and adults alike. The zoo's many animal houses offer a place to drop in and warm up if the cold weather is too much for you. I can't recommend it enough if you're in Chicago in December -- going to Zoolights! has become an annual tradition in my family.

• What: Zoolights!
• Where: Lincoln Park Zoo, Fullerton Parkway directly west of Lake Shore Drive
• When: November 24, 2006 - December 10, 2006, open Friday, Saturday, Sunday nights. December 15, 2006 - January 1, 2007, open every night except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
• Hours: 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
• Admission: Free!