Guests will stroll the paths throughout the Zoo and marvel at the trees adorned with nearly one million twinkling lights and countless handcrafted and animated images. They can also sing along to the Music in Motion Lights Spectacular, at its new location – in front of the giraffe exhibit – or cozy up to the fire and listen as seasonal stories are read aloud in the Congo Classroom.

“The opening of the Lights Before Christmas is the official start to the holiday season in Columbia,” said Satch Krantz, executive director of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. “And many families don’t let the season pass by without at least one visit to see the lights at the Zoo.”

New this year is the Holiday Card Walk, located in Safari Camp, featuring larger-than-life holiday cards created by local schools. Also new, is a candy cane garden, where eight towering candy canes will illuminate and dance to holiday tunes.

Lights-goers will have the opportunity to sip hot cocoa and toast marshmallows at the Jingle Bell Bonfire. No visit to the Lights Before Christmas is complete without a stop to see Santa to share holiday wishes and snap a photo (with your personal camera). And don’t forget to bring your hat – it snows every night at the Lights Before Christmas.

The Lights will dazzle from 6 to 9pm each evening from November 21 to January 3, with closings on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. Riverbanks members are eligible to receive one free visit to Lights Before Christmas when they show their membership card at the gate; guest passes are not accepted. General admission is $8 for adults and $6 for children ages 3 – 12. Tickets can be purchased online or at any Riverbanks ticket booth. Parking for the event will be on the Zoo side only.