Dreaming of a bright Christmas? Here's what's new at Zoolights this year
Dinosaurs at the Calgary Zoo will be merry and bright this Christmas.
Officials announced on Tuesday that the prehistoric park will be a part of its annual Christmas lights display for the first time ever in 2021/22.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of Zoolights. To celebrate, the zoo is updating some of the annual favourites and adding new attractions.
During Dinos in the Dark, the zoo says visitors will be transported on a mission in which they need to get of the prehistoric park before a volcano erupts.
The Calgary Zoo hosts it's annual Zoolights display. (Photo by Anna Ferensowicz/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Also new this year is The Nutcracker Experience in the ENMAX Conservatory, which the zoo says is a "sparkly salute" to the classic Nutcracker story. There will be a wintery sleigh families can take photos on, giant nutcrackers and a ballerina made entirely of flowers.
This year, the zoo is also hosting a Zoolights Market where you can buy items from local vendors that are either sustainable, recycled or celebrate nature.
There will also be a Chocolate Bar, where visitors can buy gourmet hot chocolate.
The zoo also says one of the most-loved features of Zoolights, the Tunnel of Light, will be updated to be an "immersive and interactive experience."
Other annual attractions at Zoolights returning this year include a skating rink, fire pits, visits with Santa and axe throwing.
The Calgary Zoo hosts Zoolights ever year. (Getty Images)
"We can’t wait to see everyone enjoy the magic of the holiday season, while also supporting wildlife conservation," Calgary Zoo spokesperson Alison Archambault said.
The festive and family-friendly event runs from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. for six weeks starting on Nov. 19.
This year, Zoolights will rent out (for free) a special sensory bag for sensory-sensitive visitors.
They also have a sensory experience map available online to help those with sensory sensitivities plan their best route in advance.
Visitors to the zoo who are 12+ are required to show their government-issued ID, along with proof of double vaccination, a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours or proof of medical exception.
In addition, masks are required inside all zoo buildings.
For more information on Zoolights and to buy tickets you can visit the Calgary Zoo's website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.