Read more: Local, Community, Toledo Zoo, Lights before Christmas, Keybank, Stimulus Package, Local Businesses
The Toledo Zoo will kick off their Lights Before Christmas season Friday, Nov. 20.
A special tree lighting ceremony will take place between 6:00 and 6:30 p.m., lighting its 85-foot Norway spruce tree with more than 32,000 energy-saving LED lights, which is more than the famous tree in New York City’s Rockefeller Center.
In addition to the tree lighting, zoo lights sponsor KeyBank will offer its “KeyBank Community Stimulus Package” in which the first 1,200 visitors on the evening of Nov.20 will receive an envelope containing one, two, three or four $2 bills, for a total distribution of $5,000.
Recipients are encouraged to spend their $2 bills that night or at local businesses and take a small step toward helping the local economy.
Key is committed to—and invests in—the communities it serves. Key supports many organizations such as The Toledo Zoo that make this region a better place to live, work and play.
This year also marks the debut of the Zoo’s Giving Tree, located in the Great Hall of the Museum of Science.
The Giving Tree is decorated with ornaments that help visitors provide enrichment items for some of their favorite Zoo animals.
More information about the items, and information about how to contribute online, will be available at www.toledozoo.org.
The Zoo hopes to bring together families during the holiday season with a magnificent display of lights, holiday festivities and treats and good cheer.
Hot chocolate, carolers and ice-carving demonstrations will be offered for visitors.
Rides on the Safari Railway and African Animal Carousel will be available as well if the weather permits.
Santa Claus will also be in attendance through Dec.23 at the Indoor Theatre to listen to children’s holiday wishes.
The Lights Before Christmas, presented by KeyBank, is open from Nov. 20 to Dec. 31 (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day). Hours are Monday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. (park closes at 9 p.m.) and Friday through Sunday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. (park closes at 10 p.m.)
Admission prices are $10 for adults, $7 for children (2-11) and seniors (60+), and free for children under age 2. Toledo Zoo members receive one free visit to Lights Before Christmas.
The Toledo Zoo is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily and is located on the Anthony Wayne Trail.
Lucas County residents are admitted free of charge each Monday from 10 a.m. to noon with ID showing proof of residency.
For more information, please visit www.toledozoo.org or call (419) 385-4040.
