ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo

When night falls, the Phoenix Zoo turns more than two miles of trail into a holiday walk under five million lights. The night adds a floating Christmas tree show on the water, a rhinoceros rave under pulsing lasers, and the Wander the Wonder trail of illusions. Signature stops include a Lake Lights show with a 50-foot LED tree and a set of 24-foot trees, a Glow Garden with a glowing dance floor and glow swings, a 200-foot light tunnel, lit dinosaurs, photos with Santa, a Camp Jengo giraffe show with Mstari, Mabel's fables at the Storybook Nook, and a Three Story Christmas Tree. S'mores by the fire and kettle corn with hot cocoa round out the stalls.

Our take: Arrive around 7:30 to 8 p.m. if you want smoother entry, since most guests come when the gates open, and Monday through Wednesday tend to be the least crowded nights.