Under a corridor of colorful twinkling lights, a family of three cuddles on a bench trying to stay warm.Β
It is the family's first time at Zoo Lights, a Tucson holiday tradition of 20 years.
"He's gonna be deploying Monday, so we thought we'd have a family outing," says Alanna Felix of her husband, Bo, who's going to Afghanistan for his seventh deployment. She's pretty impressed with it so far.Β
"This is really great," Alanna said while Bo hangs onto their daughter Briseis. "I like all of the lights. There's music. It's a great family outing."
Each year in December the Reid Park Zoo transforms into a holiday wonderland with an estimated 250,000 bulbs, 40 animal light displays and three light shows (including a Santa that dances to "Uptown Funk"), as well as hot chocolate and live music.Β
Penguins frolic on the rocks in the camel enclosure near humpback whales, one of the many animal themed elements on the opening night of Reid Park Zoo Lights, Thursday, December 7, 2017, Tucson, Ariz.
The camel enclosure is transformed into an ocean scene with blue lights strung on the ground for water, a red-light octopus, a blue whale, penguins and dolphins.Β
It was Kirstin Minich's favorite display. She was there opening night with her 18-month-old son.Β
"I've been living here for two years," Minich said. "This is our second time here. It's fun for the kids. They love the carousel."
The air is filled with music from a live mariachi band as well as pre-recorded holiday songs, as hundreds of people walked the zoo grounds admiring the displays, drinking hot cocoa or eating popcorn. Some are on dates, walking arm in arm. Others push strollers, run after kids or stop to take selfies.Β
The walkway between the giraffes and the ocean display is dressed up like a rain forest with green lights draped in the trees, a hummingbird, flowers and butterflies, all made of lights.
Even the trees get into the act, forming lighted arcs over the walks on the opening night of Reid Park Zoo Lights, Thursday, December 7, 2017, Tucson, Ariz.
"Look at the humming bird," a little girl yells as her family walks through. They all look up. Some take pictures with the inflatable Grinch standing nearby.
A long line forms near the zebra enclosure leading to Santa. You can get photos there for $5 to benefit the zoo's conservation efforts.Β Β
Various stations are set up throughout the zoo with hot cocoa, churros and even adult beverages, or "Santa's Spirits."Β
Liliana Peralta was in line for snacks with her two kids. Her family goes to Zoo Lights every year because "it's a good family event" that her kids enjoy.Β
The Zoo Lights tradition goes beyond the families that visit. It's also something zoo staff looks forward to each year.Β
"Every year staff truly look forward to seeing the community enjoying the twinkling lights, warm treats and ambiance of Zoo Lights with their families," said Candis Martin, marketing and communications manager for Reid Park Zoo.
Most passersby stroll unawares by a large artificial python, even though he's well lighted in a tree in the elephant enclosure on the opening night of Reid Park Zoo Lights, Thursday, December 7, 2017, Tucson, Ariz.
If you go
What: Zoo Lights
When: 6-8 p.m., now through Dec. 23. There will be encore nights Dec. 26-30, but Santa will not be there those nights
Where: Reid Park Zoo, 3400 E. Zoo CourtΒ
Cost: $10 adults; $6 children ages 2-14; free for children under 2. Get $1 off through Dec. 19 if you bring a donation item from this list.
Other info: Get photos with Santa for $5. The carousel is open for Zoo Lights and costs $3 each to ride. The zoo snack bar and gift shop are open.
