L.A. ZOO LIGHTS 2016 Review

It's not even the end of November yet, but already our family is in the mood for the Christmas Season.  What better way to celebrate and get into the holiday spirit than to attend (and participate) in our first holiday lights extravaganza for the year, "L.A. Zoo Lights!"  While the exhibit opened on Friday, November 18, 2016, and remains open for seven weeks through Sunday, January 8, 2017, under the stars at the L.A. Zoo, our family was fortunate enough to attend opening night in hopes of sharing with you (and those curious parents who are on the fence about attending) our thoughts and experiences.

In what is already becoming an annual family tradition for us, our second year back was marked much more anticipation and excitement. Whether you've visited Zoo Lights in the past, or you are just hearing about it now for the very first time, this event is definitely something the entire family will enjoy.  

Right from the very start, our kids (ages 7, 5, and 3) immediately noticed that L.A. Zoo Lights fulfills its promise of having more lights than ever before!  Already in its third spectacular year, this year's “ZooLAbration” commemorates the Los Angeles Zoo’s 50th Anniversary” and goes the extra mile in wow'ing audiences of all ages.  

Once we entered the zoo, we were indeed dazzled with the lights, displays, and exhibits (which just got better and more beautiful) as we went further into the zoo.  One thing I noticed this year more than previous years was their incredible attention to detail and how they were able to use different color lights to reflect off different (water and reflective) surfaces.  

One of my favorite attractions was the musical Frogs made from water bottles that changed colors. While I understand that most of the animals at the Zoo are asleep once the sun sets, my kids were still able to spot some of the nocturnal animals with their habitats lighted up.  (We did get to see a number of the creepy crawlers though which was great!!)  

Along the way you'll also notice and see themed exhibits that go perfectly with LA Zoo Lights.  On one occasion, our kids jumped up and ran toward the reindeer family, which comprised of two adults and two adorable baby reindeer.  My kids echoed the same the same question I heard every kid asking, "Can these reindeer fly?"  Having these reindeer so close and so approachable, one can only wonder...

It's nice that you can set your own pace, and explore the zoo path at your own respective leisure and enjoyment.  Whether it's a relaxing walk with your family while seeing beautiful display, or bundling up and grabbing some hot chocolate at several refreshment stands, there is no wrong way to plan out your evening there.  (Although one thing can be sure and advisable to all the parents: come early, dress in layers, and bring warm clothes for the kiddies because it can get really cold even in Southern California some nights...)    

When I polled my family, we unanimously voted that our absolute favorite part of the walk was the glittery tunnel towards the end of the path.  Personally, I find this part of the stroll very romantic, and sure enough we saw many couples here (young and old) slowing down and admiring the glow while holding hands.  Kids loved it too, so this is definitely a part of the trip where you can enjoy the starry scenery while holding them close in a warm blanket as well.  

L.A. Zoo lights is now a part of our yearly tradition and I think you'll love it too.  Be sure to get your tickets and make plans for a visit today.  The exhibit opened on Friday, November 18, 2016, and remains open for seven weeks through Sunday, January 8, 2017, under the stars at the L.A. Zoo. 

L.A. ZOO LIGHTS Details:
L.A. Zoo Lights returns with more lights and more nights of dazzling magic for its third spectacular year as it kicks off a "ZooLAbration" of the Los Angeles Zoo's 50^th Anniversary on Friday, November 18, 2016, and remains open for seven awe-inspiring weeks through Sunday, January 8, 2017, under the stars at the L.A. Zoo.  Awarded USA Today's 2015 "10 Best Zoo Lights" honor, L.A. Zoo Lights sets the Zoo aglow in wonder and delight to top everyone's "holiday must" destination list with a fanciful menagerie of animal characters brought to "life," LED lights by the thousands, giant illuminated snowflakes, a "red-carpet" 50^th Anniversary party celebrating the Zoo's Golden Year, a disco ball forest, glittering twinkle tunnels, stunning 3-D animated projections, and much more.  Guests this year enjoy a range of breathtaking new features, among them a laser show set to music boasting majestic screens of water with projections of fanciful animation and an animal shadow puppet installation complete with interactive photo-op and a new waterfall feature in the Children's Zoo.  A giant illuminated snake atop the LAIR (Living Amphibians, Invertebrates, and Reptiles), which made its debut last year, flicks its tongue at Zoo Lights visitors this time around as they approach past a bigger, brighter spider web hanging in the courtyard.  

An instant hit since its 2014 debut, L.A. Zoo Lights captivates guests for an ideal family outing, meet-up with friends or date night with self-guided 60- to 90-minute walking tour through select areas of the Zoo.  While most animal residents are asleep, visitors can view the LAIR's amphibians, invertebrates and reptiles as well as enjoy the only opportunity in Los Angeles to see a real reindeer family comprised of two adults and two adorable babies.  A glittering snow-covered setting for photos with Santa Claus, available for an additional fee on select dates, captures holiday memories, and the Zoo's hand-crafted Tom Mankiewicz Conservation Carousel is open during L.A. Zoo Lights, with $3 per person on-site tickets.  L.A. Zoo Lights has attracted nearly 350,000 people over a two-year span, a vast number of whom consumed some 10,000 gallons of steaming hot chocolate and more than 30,000 irresistible churros in 2015.  The aforementioned goodies and other seasonal treats and light-themed souvenirs are available for sale.