U.S. Bank Wild Lights

Christmas will come if you're ready or not ready, but kids don't understand them. That's why you have to find ways to distract them the entire month of December. U.S. Bank Wild Lights at the Saint Louis Zoo is an excellent means of doing so. The night is brightened by animated light displays, and kids can see their favorite animals (those poppin' prairie dogs) or have fun with special displays such as the Gingerbread Village and Snowfall Flurry Walk. There are musical performances select nights, and the Lakeside Cafe is open for hot chocolate and snacks. It'll hold the kids over the big day easily. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Fri-Sun (Nov. 28-Dec. 14). 5:30-8:30 p.m. nightly (Dec. 19-23, 26-30 & Jan. 2-3). St. Louis Zoo in Forest Park (314-646-4771 or www.stlzoo.org). $6-$7.
Fridays-Sundays, 5:30-8:30 p.m.; Dec. 19-23, 5:30-8:30 p.m.; Dec. 26-30, 5:30-8:30 p.m.; Jan. 2-3, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Starts: Nov. 28. Continues through Dec. 14, 2014