The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens will be illuminating over 80 of its 1200 acres in Palm Desert with one million holiday lights for its 30th edition of ‘Wildlights’. Guests will be able to wander through a magical landscape with luminescent “herds” of zebras, giraffes, a “coalition” of cheetahs and more. The glowing, life-size lantern sculptures mostly represent the multitude of species, including endangered ones, inhabiting this spectacular zoo.
This year’s enchanting display will take visitors on an all-new journey through glowing paths with vantages of animal habitats like the emus of the new Australian Adventures. There’ll also be a holiday-themed G-scale model train with over 3,300 feet of track on display and light shows synchronized to music throughout the zoo. For an additional fee, guests can toast s’mores around a campfire, take a spin on the carousel and get a photo with Santa on his sleigh. As always, there’ll be delicious seasonal beverages and snacks available too. You can also take home souvenirs and zoo-themed holiday gifts.
It will be running on select evenings from November 22 through December 30 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and advanced reservations are required. Tickets cost $16 per person; $14 for members, military (with ID); $12 for children ages 3-12 and free for those under 3.
It was recognized as the 10 Best Zoo Lights in the country by USA Today in 2020 and is currently in the running for the same award this year. So it’s not surprising that some dates are already sold out.
Location: 47900 Portola Ave, Palm Desert, CA 92260, United States
[Featured Image: The Living Desert]