Brookfield Zoo's annual Holiday Magic festival is loads of corny fun. Each weekend in December, the 216-acre suburban zoo — just a 30-minute Metra ride from downtown — invites bundled-up visitors to stroll the grounds at night, under the glow of a twinkling sky. Hop on the Elf Express train to take in the sights; enjoy ice-carving demonstrations, live holiday musical performances, and laser light shows; or peruse the animal exhibits and warm up with a cup of hot cocoa. The biggest draw? Caroling to the animals. Share the holiday spirit with the zoo residents, as groups of frozen visitors serenade the dolphins, camels, and bears with their favorite holiday tunes.