Chicago’s favorite holiday destination is about to become a movie star! Brookfield Zoo Chicago serves as the primary filming location for the brand-new holiday film “Christmas at the Zoo,” premiering free on Tubi on November 10 — and it will also be available to rent or purchase on Apple TV and Prime Video.
Filmed on location during a real Chicago winter in December 2025, the heartwarming romantic story follows an entrepreneur named Alicia (Brittany Underwood) who is helping the zoo secure funding for a new Humboldt penguin habitat — while falling for a charming animal care specialist played by Sean Decker. Along the way, the zoo itself steals every scene: snow-dusted pathways, twinkling holiday lights, reindeer, polar bears and unforgettable animal encounters.
The production is the real deal: around 150 animals representing at least 35 species appear in the film, alongside more than 25 spots that regular zoo guests will instantly recognize. Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s president and CEO, Dr. Mike Adkesson, even makes a cameo, joined by zoo staff, members, donors and volunteers cast as extras.
“What makes this film special is that Brookfield Zoo Chicago isn’t simply a backdrop; it’s part of the story,” said Julianne Olivo, the zoo’s director of public relations. “The values woven throughout the film are very real: exceptional animal care, conservation, collaboration and a deep commitment to wildlife.”
For local audiences, the movie doubles as a dazzling preview of Holiday Magic, the zoo’s beloved lights festival, which returns bigger than ever this season with more than 3.5 million lights across the zoo’s 235-acre campus. The film’s trailer and more about the Humboldt penguins are available at brookfieldzoo.org.
Photo: Brookfield Zoo Chicago
