Denver, CO (December 22, 2010) - "Oh, the weather outside is... delightful?" Enjoy the warm weather and fresh air at Denver Zoo. The zoo and Zoo Lights are open Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. So come enjoy the season with us!Named in the top 20 lighting events in the world by BING, Zoo Lights is open nightly through January 2, from 5-9 p.m. It shines brighter than ever this year with more than 150 animated animal sculptures that swing through trees, jump across lawns, hide in bushes and appear in places where they're least expected. Zoo Lights features more than 38 brilliantly illuminated acres of lights. This year's event also promises a time like no other in Colorado. Festivities will include live animal demonstrations, carolers, instrumental groups, dancers, delicious holiday treats at warming stations throughout the zoo and the ever-popular Zoo Year's Eve party.
Zoo Lights Special Events lineup:
* WILD ICE
DEC. 17-23
Just a few nights left to see Santa's helpers with power tools create a special ice-carving garden, filled with more animal sculptures than before. See fire dancers perform in the ice garden throughout the evening. Ice garden and fire dancer performances are free with Zoo Lights admission.
* CELEBRATE KWANZAA
DEC. 26
Visitors will be able to embrace a holiday that honors African American heritage through African dance, music and storytelling. Kwanzaa is a non-religious, culturally-centered celebration that observes ancient Swahili principles to affirm, heal, unify, and empower. Activities free with Zoo Lights admission.
* ZOO YEAR’S EVE
DEC. 31
On the brink of a New Year, children also can experience the fun of Zoo Year's Eve, a wild New Year's Eve party that begins at 5 p.m. on Dec. 31 with entertainment, activities and crafts that leads up to an early 9 p.m. countdown to the New Year! Activities are free with Zoo Lights admission.
* BUNK WITH THE BEASTS
DEC. 31
There's still room for your little ones to ring in the New Year with an overnight at Denver Zoo! This is a great option for parents looking for sitters for New Year's Eve! Kids, spend the holiday at the zoo, exploring Zoo Lights, learning about animals, and celebrating in a safe and fun environment! Experienced zoo instructors will lead kids in games, crafts, animal encounters and a visit to the special Zoo Year's Eve early-countdown celebration. A private morning tour of the zoo wraps up this special holiday event. Instructor to child ratio is 1 to 8. Ages 6 to 12. Sign up at www.denverzoo.org.
Zoo Lights is the largest lighting event in the Rocky Mountain Region and the largest annual event hosted by Denver Zoo. It takes six members of the Denver Zoo staff three months to set up the displays, and an equal amount of time to dismantle the 38 acres of lights.
This year tickets can be purchased at www.denverzoo.org. Admission to Zoo Lights is $8 for adults (12-64), $4 for children (3-11), $6 for senior citizens (65+), children 2 and under are admitted free. For more information on Zoo Lights, please call Denver Zoo at (303) 376-4800 or visit www.denverzoo.org.
* MEMBERSHIP OFFER
THROUGH DEC. 31
Anyone who purchases a new or gift Denver Zoo membership before Dec. 31 will receive two complimentary passes to Zoo Lights. Members can renew early and we will add a year to the date the current membership expires. To purchase a membership or for more information, call 303-376-4878 or visit www.denverzoo.org/membership.
