by Noella Noelophile®
(Photo courtesy of Jamie Pham/GLAZA, and used with permission.)
This Friday is the start of L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow!
At 6:00 pm, this Friday, November 15th, the special event voted one of the top light shows in the nation, once again lights up the Christmas season.
Now, what’s new this year?
(Photo courtesy of Jamie Pham/GLAZA, and used with permission.)
According to an email from the L. A. Zoo, this year’s new additions include two new holiday sections, with immersive lights and displays.
The jolly old elf, himself, has returned, and visitors can take Santa photos with him, for an additional fee.
In addition, guests will be able to capture special Christmastime memories in new photo spots with reindeer and sleigh, giant ornaments, and more.
(Photo courtesy of Jamie Pham/GLAZA, and used with permission.)
If this will be your first time visiting L.A. Zoo Lights, you’re in for a treat.
If this won’t be your first time visiting, the same is true
And you’ve probably “bookmarked” L.A. Zoo Lights as a favorite tradition.
Having attended L.A. Zoo Lights multiple times, I can accurately describe it as a magical experience.
(Photo courtesy of Jamie Pham/GLAZA, and used with permission.)
Locations, or “stations”, throughout the zoo, host imaginative displays, relating to the animals in residence.
Alpine forests, lush rainforests, and serene rivers are all featured in this year’s displays, according to the email from the L.A. Zoo. All of these will be illuminated by breathtaking lighted sculptures, showcasing large-scale animals and natural wonders.
The Tom Mankiewicz Conservation Carousel is especially festive, playing seasonal music as guests ride one of 64 hand-carved wooden figures of an endangered-species animal. (The snow leopard is a personal favorite, but you’re almost certain to find more than one you can’t resist riding!)
One of their many exhibits is the “Twinkle Tunnel”, a not-to-be missed walkthrough. One Zoo rep mentioned, in a previous interview, that this has been the site of several marriage proposals–and it certainly is beautiful and romantic!
(Photo courtesy of Jamie Pham/GLAZA, and used with permission.)
In addition, there will be a sensory-inclusive Zoo Lights event on Tuesday, December 3rd. “Pride Night” welcomes LGBTQIA+ friends, families and allies on Wednesday, December 11th. And from Friday, December 6th through Sunday, December 8th, consider showing up in your most festive holiday pajamas (with shoes, please!) for “Holiday Pajama Weekend”.
Tickets are available online only, and include free parking–as well as supporting the Zoo’s mission of conservation and enriching communities while creating connections to nature.
Merry Zoo Lights! Have a great time>
L.A. Zoo Lights opens at 6 pm, Friday, November 15th, and runs through Sunday, January 5th. Closed most Mondays and Tuesdays, as well as Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Ticket prices vary; here’s the link for information.