Bronx Zoo debuts holiday lights
Visitors can see the displays and more from now until Jan. 10
BY ALEX MITCHELL
Perhaps the Bronx’s
brightest tradition has returned
greater and more
illuminated than ever
this month.
The Bronx Zoo Holiday
Lights, a spectacular array
that illuminates much
more than lions and tigers
and bears, will be opening to
the public on Friday as this
year’s physical expansion literally
shines on more of the
wildlife center.
From lifelike animal lanterns,
to strings of enchanting
overhead lights which
gleam over the many festive
walkways set to the playing
of holiday music — plus the
zoo’s safely created indoor
and covered special exhibits
— it’s challenging to not be
smiling cheek to cheek behind
one’s mask in Belmont
this fall and winter.
Featuring dozens more
festive lanterns than last
year, there are fi ve unique
safaris representing different
global regions and their
respective species on display
at the Bronx Zoo now.
Out of those fi ve, the
aquatic themed safari is arguably
the most fun for guests
to dive into, as one truly feels
submerged in a coral reef
perched along the East Australian
Current for some
very enjoyable minutes.
Another new addition
to the Bronx Zoo lights is
the indoor Luminous Garden,
which gives zoo-goers
an ant’s perspective on life
inside the blossoming ecosystem
of fl owers, mushrooms,
butterfl ies and even
some bugs.
That garden was a favorite
for visitors Robyn, Austin
and baby Liam from White
Plains, who were all quite excited
to be in the Bronx Zoo
at night for their fi rst time.
The three were also quite
pleased with the zoo’s social
distancing protocol, which
came, in part, as polite reminders
Alan and Joanne Lehman
of Riverdale, they were delighted
BRONX TIMES REPORTER, N 46 OVEMBER 20-26 BTR
year’s display is better than
it was in 2019.
“It cheers you up during a
tough year,” Alan said, noting
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from staff.
For Bronx Zoo regulars
to see the light’s expansion,
and said that this
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that he and his wife will
surely be returning in weeks
to come.
Almost just as heart
warming as the senior couple’s
night out are the zoo’s
dozens of fi re pits for socially
distant s’mores — something
the Bronx Zoo has even held
competitions for in the past.
For those not up to the
scorching task of assembling
the tasty treats themselves,
visitors can also order the
winning desserts from
prior competitions.
Other forms of entertainment
at the Bronx Zoo Holiday
Lights include ice carving
demonstrations, some
costumed characters and
critters, stilt walkers, souvenirs
and seasonal treats in
addition to the s’mores.
All guests over threeyears
old are required to socially
distance and wear face
coverings. Date-specifi c tickets
for the lights must be purchased
in advance and are
now available online through
Sunday, Jan. 10.
Visit the Zoo’s website.
One of the many light displays at the Bronx Zoo. Photo Alex Mitchell
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