Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Things to do in Denver When You're Gay: Denver Zoo Lights

Featuring a brand new layout, the Denver Zoo Lights 22nd annual celebration, running nightly November 30, 2012-January 2, 2013, from 5:30-9 p.m., will celebrate cultural traditions, introduce a special train ride and illuminate the zoo's newest exhibit, Toyota Elephant Passage, with lanterns.

Denver Zoo will be transformed to a wild winter wonderland as guests wander under the canopy of lights throughout themed regions at this year's Zoo Lights. Families can journey to the North Pole region to visit with Santa, enjoy tasty treats at Ms. Claus' Sweet Shop and take a spin on the carousel. In this region folks can also take Denver Zoo's historic train ride, revamped this year with a special theme.
Also new this year is the Festival of Lanterns illuminating Denver Zoo's new award-winning exhibit Toyota Elephant Passage. More than 200 Asian lanterns of various shapes, colors and sizes will shine above the exhibit's walkways with LED light, while guests can get warm and see elephants, fishing cats and small-clawed otters in the indoor buildings.

At the Sea of Lights, light sculpture displays of seahorses, whales and a gigantic octopus swim throughout this wintery wonderland as waves of holiday lights crash upon the shore.

Also new this year, the Celebration! Pavilion will celebrate cultural traditions from around the world through dance, music and storytelling every evening of the event. Entertainment will include African storytellers and mariachi bands.

The holiday tradition is made complete with 40 brilliantly-illuminated acres of lights, featuring more than 150 animated animal sculptures that swing through trees, jump across lawns, hide in bushes and appear in places where they're least expected. Numerous Denver Zoo animals also can be seen throughout the experience including polar bears, sea lions, arctic foxes, Komodo dragons, giraffes, hippos and rhinos. Penguins can also be seen at a nightly demonstration.

Festivities also will include live animal demonstrations, carolers, instrumental groups, ice carvers, delicious holiday treats at warming stations throughout the zoo and the ever-popular Zoo Year's Eve party.