by Noella Noelophile®
CLICK!
OK, so that was figurative. But tonight at 6 pm, L.A. Zoo Lights is back!
They don’t actually throw a switch, that we’ve seen. But they do elicit a lot of Christmastime “oohs” and “aahs”.
L.A. Zoo Lights, which has consistently placed in USA Today’s “Top Ten” list of “Best Zoo Lights” in the past, temporarily closed last year due to the pandemic. But for the 2021 Christmas season, now through Sunday, January 9th, the L.A. Zoo will captivate visitors with a wonderland of wildlife-inspired displays, shimmering lights and cutting-edge technology.
“We are thrilled to be bringing back one of the City’s most anticipated holiday traditions this year with a Zoo Lights celebration like none other,” said Los Angeles Zoo CEO and Zoo Director Denise M. Verret, in a recent press release.
“This year’s event is a renewed opportunity for the community to safely celebrate the season with family and friends and create lifelong memories as we head into the new year with hope and optimism.”
What if, for whatever reason, you’ve never had the chance to experience L.A. Zoo Lights, and are wondering, “Whatever is that?”
What it is: a self-guided tour through a large area of the Los Angeles Zoo that’s decorated for the Christmas season in some absolutely magical ways. The Zoo’s media materials describe it as a “60-to-90-minute” experience, and there are three admission times available per evening, to facilitate social distancing.)
Now, before I share what you will see–here are the COVID-19 requirements. There are no guarantees, but we all need to do our best to stay healthy and keep everyone else well.
The Los Angeles Zoo advises that face masks are required for all guests ages two and up, in indoor and enclosed public settings. And if you’re not fully vaccinated, the CDC recommends that you wear the masks outdoors, as well.
In addition, the Zoo advises that changes to event status may occur, as we continue to navigate some unprecedented times. Entry requirements and venue protocols are subject to change, they warn, and your purchase of tickets constitutes your agreement to abide by the health and safety measures in effect at the time of the event unless otherwise prohibited by law. Before you go, definitely check their website for information.
OK! Now for the best part: what you’ll get to see at this year’s L.A. Zoo Lights.
First of all, you’ll be welcomed into the Zoo by a 90-foot-long wall of lights with snowflake displays set to music.
Expect to see beautifully lit animals and whimsical 3-D animations.
Handcrafted Chinese silk lanterns will light your way.
And there’s an interactive display, where dancing lights respond to your voice!
When we had the pleasure of seeing L. A. Zoo Lights in 2019, and took these pictures, one of our favorites was the “Twinkle Tunnel”. This is a 200-foot-long structure that’s a don’t-miss experience. And it’s also, according to our previous conversations with the Zoo’s media contact, a very popular site for proposals! (How romantic is that!)
New this year, to L.A. Zoo Lights, will be the Holiday Sled, in a new setting at Eucalyptus Road. On weekends, there will be holiday entertainment. And if you get hungry as you walk around (who wouldn’t, and the scents of those churros and the restaurant meals can be pretty tempting!), hot cocoa and other seasonal treats will be available.
Enjoy, stay safe, take lots of pictures and don’t forget to follow @LAZoo on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram–and to use the hashtag #LAZooLights as you share your Zoo Lights experience.
