AT THE SMITHSONIAN

Photos: ZooLights Return for the Holidays

Each year, 100,000 visitors come to see the lights. Here’s why you should be one of them

November 23, 2012

Nothing says holiday fun like ZooLights. Photo by Jim Jenkins. Courtesy of the National Zoo

The days may be getting shorter, and the nights longer, but thanks to the National Zoo, that’s a good thing! ZooLights, the seasonal favorite that lights up the Zoo with colorful lights displays, has returned. The season officially kicks off November 23, when the Zoo will once again be full of larger-than-life representations of some of your favorite animals. And this year, in addition to the models train and snowless sledding, the Zoo will also be unveiling its Conservation Carousel, an old-timey carousel crafted with care that features more of the Zoo’s animal icons.

So bundle up and enjoy the long nights with a cup of apple cider and some new creature friends.

Catch your favorite animals, just hanging out. Photo by Jim Jenkins. Courtesy of the National Zoo

Nothing like the holidays to bring people–and animals–together. Photo by Jim Jenkins. Courtesy of the National Zoo

Model trains and even a kids’ train ride add to the entertainment. Photo by Jim Jenkins. Courtesy of the National Zoo

An elegant elephant strikes a pose. Photo by Jim Jenkins. Courtesy of the National Zoo

Tropical holiday greetings from the Zoo to you. Photo by Jim Jenkins. Courtesy of the National Zoo