Zoolights opens Friday
Posted Nov 23, 2010 1:25 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The Calgary Zoo kicks off this year’s Zoolights on Friday.
Touted as one of western Canada’s most spectacular and largest holiday light shows, the attraction boasts more than 1.5 million lights each year.
Trish Exton-Parder with the Calgary Zoo tells 660News a lot of people feel that Zoolights is a nice escape.
“It’s one of those things that I think, people find this time of year, when everything is such a hustle and bustle and running around, you come to Zoolights and somehow you can just take a deep breath and relax. You come through the gates and it’s very magical and peaceful,” says Exton-Parder.
There are play areas for the kids, fire pits and hot chocolate to warm up with and, among several things that are new this year, roving choir singers.
Exton-Parder says they always try to mix in a little something new each year.
“We have a few new animal figures that will be up in lights, so there’s always something a little bit different. As far as activities that are a little bit unusual, we have something called Petland’s Dashers Dog Sled Races. Parents can dress up like sled dogs and cart their kids around and race with other families. Something a little fun to keep people warm,” she says.
The kids play areas include Snowball Alley, Snow Bowling, The Reindeer Stables or Snigloo, where the kids can make their own igloo.
Children can also chat live with Santa direct from the North Pole with the Zoo’s SantaVision.
A couple of the fan favourites are Candy Cane Lane and the Tunnel of Love, which are always part of the event.
Starting Friday, Zoolights will be open from 6:00 until 9:00 every evening except Christmas and Zoo Year’s Eve.
