December 11, 2016
L.A Zoo Lights 2016
The L.A Zoo Lights lived up to it's promise of more lights and more nights of dazzling magic to kick off their "ZooLAbration" of Zoo's 50th anniversary.
It's no wonder why L.A. Zoo Lights were awarded USA Today's 2015 "10 Best Zoo Lights" honor as it tops everyone's "holiday must" destination list.
Covering this event for media day and meeting up with friends made the evening so much better. The kids enjoyed the animal characters that were brought to "life," using LED lights, an animal shadow puppet installation complete with interactive photo-op and the new waterfall feature.
The kids oohed and awwed at the giant illuminated snowflakes, a disco ball forest, as they skipped through the twinkle tunnels.
One of their favorite parts of the night was the stunning 3-D animated projections, and a laser show set to music boasting majestic screens of water with projections of fanciful animation.
Be on the lookout for the giant illuminated snake atop the LAIR (Living Amphibians, Invertebrates, and Reptiles), which made its debut last year, which flicks its tongue at Zoo Lights visitors.
This year there is a brighter spider web hanging in the courtyard and insects above the rock walls.
You'll want to check this our or join the L.A Zoo as they celebrate the coming of 2017 with an evening of holiday fun on Saturday, December 31, 6 to 10 pm. The special party features "skip-the-line" express entry to the popular Zoo Lights, which sets the Zoo aglow in wonder and delight, a dinner buffet, soft drinks, an East-Coast-midnight toast with a complimentary glass of champagne for adults and sparkling apple cider for kids, dessert, a ride on the Zoo's conservation carousel, games, a DJ dance party, cash bar and live broadcast of New York's Times Square ball drop at 9 pm. 
While most animal residents are asleep, Family New Year's Eve visitors can view the LAIR's amphibians, invertebrates and reptiles as well as enjoy the only opportunity in Los Angeles to see a real reindeer family comprised of two adults and two adorable babies. Family New Year's Eve takes place in addition to regular admission and hours as L.A. Zoo Lights captivates guests with a self-guided 60- to 90-minute walking tour through select areas of the Zoo.
Whether you go now or for New Year's, be sure to bundle up and bring your BFF with you!
L.A. Zoo Lights 2016 Also Presents
Early-Bird All-Ages $9 Discount Admission
(Nov 18-23, Nov 28-Dec 1 with online purchase),
New Unlimited Visits Season Pass,
Exclusive HOLIDAY HAPPY HOURS for Ages 21-and-Up on December 8 and 15
and FAMILY NEW YEAR'S EVE For All Ages
Friday, November 18, 2016, through Sunday, January 8, 2017
(except November 24, December 24 and 25)
6 to 10 pm Nightly
Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Fine print:
We were invited to L.A Zoo media day but all opinions expressed are mine.