The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
Zoo unveils Bright Nights for the holiday season
To shed some light on the upcoming holiday season, Utica Zoo is introducing Bright Nights at the Utica Zoo, presented by Baird, which will launch on Friday, Nov. 27 from 5- 8 p. m. and run each Thursday through Sunday until January 3 ( except Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve).
The zoo’s extended hours will offer nearly a dozen large light displays such as penguin pond, jolly snow family, and farming elves invoking the joy of the season through traditional and fun holiday scenes. Animation, bright lights, caroling, fireside pauses, hot drinks, food trucks, and more is included with regular zoo admission to be enjoyed by all.
“Not only will this be a wonderful way for families to enjoy themagic and wonder of the holiday season through a variety of light and decor displays, but will also be a celebration of our communities’ diverse holiday traditions,” the zoo stated.
The evening wouldn’t be complete without the jolly man in the red suit; Santa Claus will be at the zoo nightly along with a giant mailbox for letters to Santa. Santa will collect the letters each night at 6: 30 in his sack, and on Dec. 20, he’ll take them away with the help of the Utica Fire Department. At 6: 45, a reading of Twas the Night Before Christmas will be offered. Although this activity is included in admission, reservations will be required.
The Tree Top gift Shop at the Utica Zoo will offer new merchandise for unique gift- giving. The zoo’s winter snowshoe programwill be promoted, and zoo-animal adoption and gift- tag trees will be scattered throughout the zoo.
Bright Nights is currently sponsored by Baird, Bank of Utica, One Realty, First Source Federal Credit Union, Mcdonald’s, BME, Empower Federal Credit Union, Caruso and Mclean Investments, NBT Bank, Mohawk Valley Wellness, and AMP Medical Associates.
Sponsorship packages and various volunteer opportunity signups are available by contacting info@uticazoo.org. Admission is:
$ 8.00 for adults
$ 5.00 for children 2- 12
$ 6.75 for military and seniors over 62
Members get 50% off their first purchase of tickets for those listed on their membership using their member ID number. Purchases can include multiple dates.
Pre- purchase of tickets is suggested and available on the Utica Zoo website.
According to Utica Zoo officials, COVID- 19 precautions will be maintained to ensure the safety of the animals, visitors, and staff and to comply with NYS’S protocols. Capacity will be limited to 500 visitors on zoo grounds, masks will be required at all times, and guests will visit the zoo in routes that ensure social distancing.
To learn more visit www.uticazoo.org/brightnights or call ( 315) 738- 0472.