Every year, Hogle Zoo puts on an amazing Christmas light adventure. Zoo Lights is fun and exciting for the kids, and very affordable. We love to visit Zoo Lights at Hogle Zoo because you can see animals, Santa, and Christmas lights all in one.
Animals
Starting at 5 pm the zoo turns on an extravagant Christmas light display and has Santa visit, reindeer, crafts, and the carousel running. We arrived right as they opened and were able to see quite a few animals along with the lights. The tigers were prowling (all the cats were pretty active), and all of the houses—monkeys, snakes & reptiles, etc. were open.
In an unbelievable stroke of good luck, we arrived on the day of a birth announcement (Dec 9) and actually got to see the new baby Colobus monkey. It looked much like you’d expect a newborn to look—sort of wrinkly and smooshy and damp.
Santa
Santa arrived with a few reindeer early in the evening. We watched his arrival, and then waited in the short line to visit with Santa. You can write a letter to Santa while you wait, and you take your own pictures, so it’s free with admission. It was a fun visit with Santa at the zoo.
The train does not run during Zoo Lights, but the carousel does. We love to spend a few dollars on tickets and take a ride on the carousel.
Lights
The lights are amazing. We wandered through the entire zoo checking out the different light displays and looking in at the animals. Some animals are asleep and not out, but there are many that you can still see. The boys loved seeing the lights that look like animals, and most of the lights moved in some way.
They have some glowing life-size animals that are neat to see, too. We also love walking across the bridge with it’s light tunnel flashing over us as we walk.
Tips for Families
Make sure to dress warm and for young children, and don’t forget strollers because it is quite a walk. We tucked blankets around both our boys in the strollers and they seemed to stay plenty warm. There is hot chocolate and food on sale, too.
Watch for discount days. Every year they partner with different TV stations or companies to offer discounted days. For more information, check out the Hogle Zoo’s website.
For another fun Christmas event, check out Candlelight Christmas at This is the Place Heritage Park across the street from the Zoo.
