Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry

The 83rd annual Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light at the Museum of Science and Industry features more than 50 trees and displays, each lovingly decorated by community volunteers who share family and cultural traditions drawing on their global heritage. Placed throughout the trees are displays representing international seasonal celebrations of light like Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Diwali and more. This holiday season, you can meander through the indoor forest and light displays, take a family photo in front of the four-story Grand Tree in the rotunda, enjoy specialty holiday treats at the Stan’s Donuts pop-up, and more. This beloved annual exhibit started in 1942 as one tree to represent unity during World War II and has since turned into an engaging winter wonderland. Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light is now open through Jan. 5 and is included in the museum’s general admission fee.

Insider’s tip: December and January tend to be some of the busiest months of the year at the MSI. If you’re planning to visit, be sure to reserve all of your tickets in advance (including tickets for special exhibitions, experiences and tours like Marvel’s Spider-Man: Beyond Amazing and the U-505 on-board tour). This will help you avoid long lines and make the most out of your visit.

5700 S. Lake Shore Drive in Chicago. GriffinMSI.org

Altitude Trampoline Park

We know how difficult it can be when the kids need to burn off some energy for a few hours and it’s 18 degrees outside. Our neighbors turned us on to Altitude a few years ago, and we enjoyed it so much we’ve held our son’s birthday party there and have become regulars to a degree, especially during the winter months or when we have our nieces or friends visiting.

Featuring 35,000 square feet of indoor trampolines and other attractions, Altitude Trampoline is an exciting destination for families, groups and individual jumpers to have some healthy, athletic fun. Super trampolines, trampoline basketball, battle beams where you can challenge friends or family to a gladiator-style dual, rock walls, trapeze swings, foam pits, gymnastic tumble tracks, monkey bars, extreme dodgeball and more. It’s all here.

7037 Central Avenue, Suite 11, in Skokie. AltitudeTrampolinePark.com

ZooLights at the Lincoln Park Zoo

Head to Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo for one of the city’s favorite holiday traditions over the last three decades, offering new artistic, interactive displays and programming through Jan. 4. ZooLights features more than three million lights, including hundreds of luminous LED displays and festive seasonal experiences.

Check out the mesmerizing holiday light tunnel or ride the iconic Ferris wheel, which offers incredible views of the city skyline and all the twinkling lights below. You can even indulge in hot chocolate or roast s’mores over an open fire. On select nights, sing alongside carolers, decorate cookies or be amazed by professional ice carvers. Insider’s tip: New this year is a flexible admission option, which allows you to attend at your convenience — and avoid crowds and bad weather.

The Lincoln Park Zoo is located at 2001 N. Clark Street. Visit LPZoo.org for specific details and ticket info.