Getting the Most out of your Denver Zoo Lights Night

Do you like the dazzle of lights? Then, the Denver Zoo Lights Night is a must do over Winter Break. Be sure to check out my highly recommended tips below to get the most out of your experience. This was my first trip ever to the Denver Zoo. I know, right? Let's try to meander through a new zoo in the dark. The good news about the Denver Zoo is that if you stay on the lighted path, it will take you in a big circle back around to the front of the zoo. That made it easy to feel guided through a new and mysterious adventure. The lights were absolutely dazzling. It starts out fairly tame with pretty colorful lights not too different from what you would see around your neighborhood for Christmas lights on houses.

But, it picks up fairly quickly as you get to see the very creative lighted animals in motion. My favorite animal scene was the three elephants standing together with trunks spraying colored lights all over one another. Near the end of the lights path, they also had a beautiful butterfly with its wings in motion. Don't get fooled by the reflection like I did and find yourself almost running into a glass wall (no I didn't have anything alcoholic to drink).

A few animals were out and viewable, but for the most part there were a lot of dark exhibits and hidden animals. So, this is definitely a focus on the lights. Don't go for a first visit expecting to see the zoo animals at their best. Highly Recommended Tips: 1. When you arrive, go straight to the lower level of the parking garage. Don't waste your time driving around trying to find parking in the paved lot or upper levels. It's a fairly short walk to the zoo from the garage, and not having the frustration of parking lot searching is well worth any extra steps you should take. 2. The zoo lights package sold at the beginning of December is definitely the way to go. Why? You get additional tickets discounted and most importantly you get two free hot drinks which are around $6.50 each. Usually, I'm not one to care much about buying drinks as I'm an avid water drinker. However, the hot drinks (either hot chocolate or apple cider) will give you enough edge to keep you just warm enough to enjoy the experience. 3. Oh, and be sure to wear long johns, lined boots or extra socks, gloves and hats/hoods. If you forget any one of these things, you could be subject to a miserable time very easily. And the one person who didn't wear the socks or lined boots will be rushing you through the exhibit, so speak up about the "need" for the right kind of warmth in clothes.