During the holidays, one of my favorite things to do with my family is exploring the city looking for holiday lights. This year, we were invited to the opening night of “ZooLAbration” at the Los Angeles Zoo’s and it was surely a memorable night.
Winner of USA Today’s “10BEST ZOO LIGHTS” Readers Choice Award the L.A. ZOO LIGHTS is one of the most beautiful holiday lights display in Los Angels for the second consecutive year, as it tops the Southland’s “holiday must” destination list with more lights and more nights of dazzling magic through Sunday, January 8, 2017, 6 to 10 pm, under the stars at the L.A. Zoo.
Below are highlights from our trip.
In “ZooLAbration” of the Zoo’s 50th Anniversary, L.A. Zoo Lights sets the Zoo aglow in wonder and delight with a fanciful menagerie of animal characters brought to “life,” LED lights by the thousands, giant illuminated snowflakes, a “red-carpet” 50th Anniversary party celebrating the Zoo’s Golden Year complete with snowfall, a disco ball forest, glittering twinkle tunnels, stunning 3-D animated projections, and much more.
When you bring the family to L.A Zoo Lights don’t miss:
- The laser show set to music boasting majestic screens of water with projections of fanciful animation
- A shadow wall perfect for playful photo-ops and a new waterfall feature in the Children’s Zoo.
- Inside the LAIR, get bathed in ultraviolet light for a black light party with scurrying “insects” above the rock walls.
- A glittering snow-covered setting for photos with Santa Claus, available for an additional fee now through December 23, 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.
- 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 now through December 23, 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.
FAMILY NEW YEAR’S EVE on Saturday, December 31, 6 pm, provides an opportunity to celebrate the coming of 2017 in style with “skip-the-line” express entry to L.A. Zoo Lights, dinner buffet, soft drinks, complimentary champagne for adults, sparkling apple cider for kids, dessert, a ride on the conservation carousel, games, DJ dance party, cash bar and live broadcast of New York’s Times Square ball drop at 9 pm, after which guests are welcome to experience L.A. Zoo Lights until closing at 10 pm. FAMILY NEW YEAR’S EVE tickets are $69 for adults and $45 for children, or $64 (adults) and $40 (children) for GLAZA members. Tickets for this “VIP Experience” has limited availability, so early purchase is strongly suggested.
Prices for admission
Vary and start at $14 for adults and $11 for children ages 2 to 12 GLAZA members enjoy ticket discounts of up to 33%. Children under age 2 are free.
This year’s new unlimited-access L.A. Zoo Lights Season Pass
Includes express entry privileges nightly for $49 for adults and $44 for children ages 2 to 12.
FAMILY NEW YEAR’S EVE Tickets for
$69 for adults and $45 for children ages 2 to 12, or $64 (adults) and $40 (children) for GLAZA members.
HOLIDAY HAPPY HOUR Tickets for
$75 per person and open only to ages 21 and up. All L.A. Zoo Lights events and evenings take place on a “rain-or-shine” basis, with no rain checks issued.
The Los Angeles Zoo is located in Griffith Park at the junction of the Ventura (134) and Golden State (5) freeways. Free parking is available. 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027, (323) 644-4200. For additional information about L.A. Zoo Lights, call 866-949-8007; call center hours are 8 am to 8 pm, seven days a week.
For tickets and more, visit LAZoolights.org
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