INDIANAPOLIS – 2012-11-19 — /travelprnews.com/ — Guests are invited to surround themselves with the beauty and magic of the holiday season as the Indianapolis Zoo hosts its 44th year of Christmas at the Zoo.
Dating back to 1968, the Indianapolis Zoo was the first zoo in the United States to hold a holiday lights event, and since then, Christmas at the Zoo has come to be known for its spectacular holiday lights and displays. This year will be no exception! Presented by Donatos and Teachers Credit Union, Christmas at the Zoo takes place from 5-9pm Wednesdays through Sundays from Nov. 23 to Dec. 30, giving families from across the Midwest a chance to become part of this longstanding holiday tradition.
A visit to Christmas at the Zoo is unlike any other time of year, bringing together the best of the holiday season with a “wild” twist! As the sun sets, guests can enjoy the bright glow of the energyefficient holiday LED lights sponsored by Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, which create a magical nighttime experience. The We Three Trees display presented by Indianapolis Honda Dealers, All-AGlow Light Show and all-new lights throughout Encounters are a must-see for visitors. Guests can also bundle up to enjoy the lights from the Holiday Train Ride presented by Marathon.
While viewing the lights, visitors can warm up with some hot cocoa and enjoy music from carolers singing by the fireside. Guests can also satisfy their sweet tooth with fudge, cinnamon rolls, caramel apples and more at Santa’s Sweet Shop. Lots of family-friendly activities await in White River Gardens, like cookie decorating with Mrs. Claus, letters to Santa, a view of Santa’s Tropical Paradise in the Hilbert Conservatory and visits and photo opportunities with Chris Cringle himself!
As with all Zoo events, animals will be a main focus for Christmas at the Zoo. Reindeer will greet visitors as they enter and several of the Zoo’s more robust animals will be out late to enjoy the cooler weather. When visitors’ cheeks start to get rosy, they can dash inside to enjoy the animals in the Dolphin Dome, Deserts and Oceans exhibits. There will also be extra animal keeper chats and holiday-themed dolphin shows. Plus, two lucky guests will win the chance to return for a once-in-a-lifetime animal encounter as those who find the hidden mistletoe can enter to win a Dolphin In-Water Adventure!
Christmas at the Zoo is included with regular Zoo admission and is free for Zoo members. Guests can purchase discount tickets from any Indianapolis area Donatos or Teachers Credit Union location. The Zoo will also collect new hats, scarves and gloves for the St. Mary’s Children’s Center, and each donated item will earn guests a coupon for $1.00 off Zoo admission. For more information, visit indianapoliszoo.com or follow the Zoo on Facebook and Twitter.
About the Indianapolis Zoo
Located in White River State Park downtown, the Indianapolis Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the American Association of Museums as a zoo, aquarium and botanical garden. The Indianapolis Zoo empowers people and communities, both locally and globally, to advance animal conservation.
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Contact: Carla Knapp
Public Relations Specialist
317-630-3257
cknapp@indyzoo.com