For Immediate Release: December 6, 2024
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden Celebrates Wild Lights as One of the Top 10 Best Zoo Lights in the Country
Columbia, S.C., December 6, 2024 – Riverbanks Zoo and Garden has been named one of the top 10 Zoo Lights destinations in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice awards, showcasing the organization's innovative approach to holiday entertainment. Wild Lights at Riverbanks features over 60 handcrafted, larger-than-life lantern displays inspired by nature. Brilliantly illuminated animals, plants, and pollinators create a captivating and educational experience for all ages.
The annual nationwide competition, which allows readers to vote for their favorite zoo lights, recognized Wild Lights at Riverbanks during only the second year of the new event format, highlighting the zoo's rapid success in creating a memorable holiday experience. Riverbanks Zoo joins other esteemed zoos across the country recognized for their remarkable holiday light displays.
Tommy Stringfellow, President and CEO of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, expressed his gratitude, "It's incredible to see our visitors' enthusiasm for Wild Lights. Being selected as the 8th Best Zoo Lights destination among the nation's premier displays is a significant achievement, especially in just our second year of this format. This honor showcases the impact of Riverbanks' innovation on our plants, animals, and entire community."
Each winter, Riverbanks Zoo transforms into a dazzling wonderland, offering families a holiday adventure that combines wildlife education with festive entertainment. Guests can stroll through the zoo, discovering stunning illuminations, nightly snowfall, interactive activities, photo opportunities, and visits with Santa through December 23. In addition, guests can experience the magic of the season in a cozy, heated igloo at Wild Lights. The exclusive rental includes six tickets for entry, special wristbands for seamless access, and a private retreat featuring a firepit, hot chocolate, a s'mores kit, outdoor games, and bottled water—everything needed for an unforgettable celebration. Specialty food and beverages are also available for purchase.
For guests seeking a more inclusive experience, Riverbanks Zoo will host a Sensory-Friendly Night at Wild Lights on January 9th, providing a modified environment for visitors with sensory sensitivities.
Wild Lights at Riverbanks is open select nights through January 12, 2025, from 5:00pm – 9:00pm. Tickets can be purchased online at riverbanks.org/events/wild-lights.
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Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is home to more than 3,000 magnificent and fascinating animals and one of America’s best public gardens. The Zoo opened on April 25, 1974, and for five decades, has connected individuals, families and school children with the natural world. Riverbanks is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is recognized as a global leader in animal care and welfare, education, recreation, science and wildlife conservation. It is the mission of the Zoo and Garden to create meaningful connections and inspire actions that will have a lasting impact on wildlife and wild places. For more information, visit riverbanks.org.