ZOOLights brings holiday magic back to the zoo

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ZOOLights returns Friday, Dec. 6 for its seventh year, transforming the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens into a winter wonderland during select nights in December.

This holiday tradition for the whole family is from 6-10 p.m. on Dec. 6-8, 12-15, 19-22, and 26-29. Thousands of twinkling LED lights, lighted sculptures, nightly visits from Santa Claus, local artists and performers, sweet treats, and even sweeter laughs will make ZOOLights a must-see holiday event.

New this year, children can visit to the North Pole to build a snowman, have a snowball fight, see Santa and Mrs. Claus, and check if they are on the naughty or nice list. Everyone will leave with holiday cheer after watching “Swingin’ at Santa’s Place” on the Great Lawn. This new nightly show at 7, 8, and 9 p.m. includes holiday hits everyone can sing and dance along to.

Tickets start at $8 for Zoo Members and $10 for non-Members. Total Experience tickets are $12 for Members and $15 for non-Members and include rides on the Zoo Express illuminated train, the 4D Theater, and the Carousel for children ages 12 and under.

Extra ZOOLights treats available include marshmallow roasting, cookie decorating, and hot cocoa for both children and adults.

The magic begins Thursday at Illumination, a VIP experience including dinner and a sneak peek of the lights. Tickets for this special event are $35 for adults and $20 for children at JacksonvilleZoo.org/ZOOLightsIllumination.

For over 100 years, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has aimed to inspire the discovery and appreciation of wildlife through innovative experiences in a caring environment. Starting in 1914 with an animal collection of one red deer fawn, the Zoo now has more than 2,000 rare and exotic animals and 1,000 species of plants, boasting the largest botanical garden in Northeast Florida.

More information about ZOOLights and tickets are at ZOOLights.JacksonvilleZoo.org. ZOOLights is presented by Community First Credit Union.