– Experience the magic of over a million twinkling lights at the Lights Before Christmas event, presented by KeyBank.
– Explore the Winter Village, boasting festive beverages, seasonal shopping, and cozy firepits for the ultimate holiday atmosphere.
– Meet the cherished Santa at Santa’s Lodge and make heartwarming memories with family and friends.
– Savor holiday treats and spirits at the Yuletide Food & Spirits tent while enjoying the illuminated splendor.
– Navigate the event easily by learning about reservation details, event hours, and important visitor information.
As the days grow shorter and crisp autumn gives way to the frosty embrace of winter, a certain transformation occurs. Pathways once familiar become corridors of wonder, drenched in the glow of over one million lights. Trees glisten with a festive sheen, and the chill in the air is no match for the warmth that saturates your heart. This is no ordinary event; this is the Lights Before Christmas Presented by KeyBank, a celebration where the beauty of nature and the spirit of the season coalesce to paint memories across the canvas of our lives.
As you step into this enchanting realm, you’ll be greeted by the kaleidoscope of colors and textures that only this time of year can bring. More than 200 silhouettes of animals illuminate the landscape, bringing a nocturnal safari to life. Each creature, expertly crafted and adorned with brilliant lights, tells a story—reminding us of the majesty and mystery in the animal kingdom.
The central beacon of this luminous extravaganza is the Big Tree. An award-winning spectacle, it stands tall amidst the revelry, draped in an elegant tapestry of lights. Casting a gentle glow, it serves as a reminder of the steadfastness of nature, even as the world around us dons the attire of holiday cheer.
Amid the sparkle, the Yuletide Food & Spirits tent awaits with offerings that tantalize the taste buds. Introduce your palate to the season’s flavors while enveloped by the aroma of holiday snacks. Here, you’ll understand that celebration is seen, felt and tasted.
Journey from the temporal to the serene at the newly redesigned Winter Village. Nestled in the Amphitheatre and sponsored by Kroger, this hamlet is the heart of the holiday spirit. Allow yourself the delight of sipping on a festive beverage at the Twinkle Tavern, where the twinkle of lights is rivaled only by the merry spark in the eyes of those gathered.
The spirit of giving manifests in the treasures you’ll find at Enchanted Gifts. Each item is not merely a possession but a vessel for the joy and love of the season. And as the amber glow of the firepits beckons, hear the whisper of the flames inviting you to roast a s’more from The Sweet Shoppe — a symbol of the simple pleasures that bind us.
Of course, no holiday tradition is complete without a visit to Santa’s Lodge. From 4 to 8 p.m. daily, the jolly old elf is in residence, ready to welcome believers of all ages. Between November 17 and December 23, his warm chuckle and twinkling eyes remind us of our timeless bond with the stories and characters that have shaped our holiday experiences.
It is important to note that like the care we take in wrapping each present, reservations for this event are necessary and personalized. They are released a week at a time, granting access to members and non-members who eagerly anticipate their evening amid the glimmering throng. This policy ensures that no one must rush through the displays, allowing for a fully immersive and leisurely-paced evening.
Rest assured, the doors of this winter wonderland are open to all, regardless of the date on the calendar. Zoo hours are designed with you in mind, extending from 3 to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, with the Zoo closing at 9 p.m., and from 3 to 9 p.m. Friday through Sunday, with the night concluding at 10 p.m. Even on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day, these hours remain steadfast, a testament to the commitment to spread cheer every possible moment.
Yet, the Lights Before Christmas is more than an event; it reminds us of our connection to the world around us. As you gaze upon an illuminated giraffe, remember the faraway lands where its real-life counterparts stride across the savannah. When you marvel at the form of a light-adorned polar bear, consider the icy realms it represents and the delicate balance of ecosystems that sustain our wildlife.
We invite you to explore further by visiting the event’s dedicated website — a gateway to a world of wonder just a click away. There, you’ll find the full event schedule and the means to reserve your tickets to adventure. It’s a simple step toward what promises to be an evening that blends the thrills of the natural and the splendor of human creation.
So, come with family and friends or on a solitary vacation to ignite the flame of the holiday spirit that burns within us all. Wander among the lights, sip the comforting libations, and let each moment imprint a lasting memory. Here, in the embrace of the Lights Before Christmas, surrounded by a symphony of lights, the traditions of yesteryear meet the joy of today to create the stories we’ll tell tomorrow.
This event reaffirms a universal truth — that wonder does not fade with age; it evolves, taking on new colors and forms. Here, under the twinkling canopy and amongst the warmth of fond festivities, the season’s magic comes to life, and with it, a sense of unity and peace exemplifies the core of the holiday spirit.
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Source Description
Create meaningful memories and experience timeless traditions at the 2023 edition of the electrical spectacle!🎄✨
Enjoy over one million lights, 200+ illuminated animal images, the award-winning Big Tree, and holiday snacks at the Yuletide Food & Spirits tent.
Discover the newly redesigned Winter Village sponsored by Kroger in the Amphitheatre! Enjoy a festive beverage at Twinkle Tavern and shop seasonal merchandise at Enchanted Gifts. Cozy up by a firepit and roast a s’more from The Sweet Shoppe.
Don’t forget to visit with Santa at Santa’s Lodge from 4-8 p.m. daily, November 17- December 23.
Reservations are required for members and non-members and are released one week at a time.
Zoo hours:
Mon. – Thurs. 3 – 8 p.m., Zoo closes at 9 p.m.
Fri. – Sun. 3 – 9 p.m., Zoo closes at 10 p.m.
Hours will not be affected for Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
Find the full event schedule and reserve tickets on our website: https://www.toledozoo.org/events/lights
