Millions of twinkling lights. Beautifully lit trails filled with dazzling displays. Festive music to help put you in the holiday spirit.
These are just a few of the many reasons why ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo is one of Arizona’s most beloved holiday traditions.
As Linda Hardwick, Vice President of Marketing, Communications & Events at the Phoenix Zoo notes, for over three decades, nearly 300,000 guests make their way to the Zoo each season to experience one of the largest holiday attractions in the Southwest.
“ZooLights features more than 4 million lights and hundreds of lighted armatures from sparkling flamingos to glowing giraffes,” Hardwick says, adding that it takes a dedicated team of six staff nearly 10 months to design, build and install the displays each year.
“The result is pure holiday magic!”
A number of new displays will be featured this year, Hardwick says, including more than 50 brand-new wildlife lanterns glowing throughout the Zoo – each one bringing the night to life in brilliant color.
“Also, the whimsical Storybook Nook will feature Mabel’s Fables, a talking tree who delights guests nightly with magical tales and charming fables,” she says.
Jengo the Talking Giraffe will also make his long-awaited return, ready to share laughs and holiday cheer.
And for those eager to explore something truly wild, Hardwick says the Zoo is introducing an all-new virtual reality adventure that immerses guests in stunning 360° animal encounters like never before.
People can take their time as they stroll through the beautifully lit trails and admiring the larger-than-life animal lanterns – all while taking in the magic of the season surrounded in one the most unique settings in the Valley.
ZooLights shines bright every night from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. through Friday, January 16.
For those who prefer to enjoy the magic from the comfort of their own car, the Zoo will host a night of Cruise ZooLights on Sunday, January 18.
“Guests can make their night even brighter with glow souvenirs, commemorative photos and warm up with hot chocolate, kettle corn and other seasonal treats available along the drive-thru pathway,” Hardwick says.
“ZooLights is a joyful, family-friendly experience that brings people of all ages together to celebrate the holidays in a truly ‘wild’ way.”
PhoenixZoo.org/Events/Zoolights