ZooLights

Utah’s chilly winter nights don’t stop families, visitors and other brave souls from enjoying the outdoor “de-lights” of holiday illumination at varioua venues, from Temple Square to Thanksgiving Point. But there’s a particular wild charm to Hogle Zoo’s ZooLights.

Now in its sixth season, ZooLights lets visitors see displays in a completely different light, with more than 300 sparkling animated displays of creatures great and small, plus the new-for-2012 135-foot-long light tunnel. The lights get an additional dimension with the use of special hologram glasses. Or, you can just see the displays and animals in the evening hours when many animals are more active—and you can get a glimpse of the new Rocky Shores underwater viewing area that also gives you a heated respite from the chill. Kids crafts, carolers and more fill out your evening adventure. (Scott Renshaw)