The beloved annual Calgary Zoo’s ZooLights is back on for 2022, with some new surprises and experiences in store for visitors.
Returning this year are favourites like visits from Santa and the Nutcracker-themed conservatory, festive family fun like axe throwing and ice skating, and, of course, thousands of lights throughout the zoo.
“We’ve tried to up our game a bit as well and interpret it more fully, adding details that we weren’t able to do last year,” said Corinne Hannah, botanical curator and designer for the Calgary Zoo, about the zoo’s Nutcracker experience.
“It’s just such a classic tradition for people they go to see the Nutcracker almost every year.”
Hannah said that zoo staff and volunteers have spent hundreds of hours this year adding extra details to many of the wreaths and Christmas trees set up throughout the conservatory.
“I think they should check out the Mouse King tree in the atrium, and I have to give a shout out to my staff member Catherine for making beautiful little boots for these little guys—so that’s a little treat,” Hannah said.
“And check out our ballet slippers tree, which is kind of unusual.”
Snow globe culinary experience back
New this year are the zoo’s snow globes. These are outdoor food experiences that invite diners to dine within a snow globe themed tent.
Alison Archambault, director for brand and engagement with The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo said that the zoo’s team worked to find a place at ZooLights where patrons would have a meaningful experience.
This year, they’ve been placed past the conservatory, providing diners a more intimate and private dining experience.
“It’s a chance to have a special family occasion, girls’ night, or date night,” she said.
“Whether it’s hot chocolate, whether it’s cookies, whether it’s Prosecco and other sorts of treats, the zoo is well known all over Canada for being a culinary destination, and this gives you a chance to have a culinary moment with somebody special—up to six somebody specials—in a snow globe.”
Prices range from $150 for two people, up to $450 for six people, depending on the number of guests and the type of culinary experience desired. The snow globes must be pre-booked, and that can be done through the zoo’s website.
“There’s three packages that you can book, and my favourite is the tipsy elf. I put it on my Christmas list hoping that my husband is going to know that that’s a great date night,” laughed Archambault.
Conservation messages
Archambault said that patrons purchasing ZooLights tickets this year would be helping the zoo’s work to do conservation work locally, and internationally.
“Whether it’s day or night, whether it’s ZooLights or zoo admission, people can feel really comfy knowing they’re making a difference.”
“We are infusing more and more of our conservation work on park during ZooLights, recognizing that’s the time families are together, that’s maybe when people slow down a bit and remember what’s most important to them, and what’s most important to their their children and future generations.”
This year in commemoration of the zoo’s giraffe Carrie, which died after 29-years, a special 3D giraffe light fixture has been named after her. It’s located next to last year’s fan favourite fixture Sparky the Hippo.
“We’ve affectionately nicknamed that Carrie so a little bit of her carries on, and is always in our hearts,” Archambault said.
Prehistoric Park has been lit up to feature Journey to the Wild, which is all about whooping cranes. The zoo also has sections for a Polar Wonderland, and the Force of Kenya, which is a tour of the conservation work being done in that nation.
“It is by far the biggest, best brightest most magical moment that we have had in our ZooLights history, and we’re just so excited to welcome the community down for it,” Archambault said.
Tickets for the 26th year of ZooLights are on sale now at websales.calgaryzoo.com/buy/special-event/zoolights.
Photos of the Nutcracker experience
Photos of ZooLights
