Toledo Zoo Lights Before Christmas Marks 30 Years
2015 marks the 30th anniversary of Toledo Zoo’s Lights Before Christmas presented by KeyBank. This annual celebration has become “THE” holiday tradition in Toledo and Northwest Ohio. KeyBank and Toledo Zoo kicked off the holiday season at the tree-lighting ceremony on Friday, November 13th. The “Big Tree,” an 85-foot Norway spruce decorated with more than 35,000 energy-saving LED bulbs, lit up the night sky.
The tree-lighting ceremony ushered in the seven-week long Lights Before Christmas display that features over one million lights and more than 200 illuminated animal images. Other traditions continuing at Lights this year include the Ice Slide with Winter Village, ice carvings, live animal encounters and, of course, Santa. New this year is the Talking Tree that leads a short holiday sing-along and more cold weather animals than ever before. It would not be Lights without the Zoo’s famous hot chocolate, homemade fudge and baked goods!
Lights Before Christmas will be open November 13, 2015 – January 3, 2016. The display will be closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve night, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Hours of operation for Lights Before Christmas are 3-8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 3-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The Zoo will close one hour after last admission to allow guests to finish their visit.
Toledo Zoo members receive free and unlimited Monday-Thursday Lights Before Christmas visits plus one free weekend visit. Visitors can save $1 per ticket by ordering online at toledozoo.org/lights.
Come enjoy all the season has to offer at the 30th anniversary of Lights Before Christmas presented by KeyBank at your Toledo Zoo!
Photo: Alex Goetz, Toledo Zoo