The Micke Grove Zoological Society invites visitors to brighten their holiday nights at the Micke Grove Zoo’s 25th Annual Zoo Lights, where sparkling lights and lighted animal silhouettes transform the Zoo into a winter wonderland. A benefit for the Micke Grove Zoo Education Department, the event runs from 5PM – 8PM on Friday through Sunday November 29 – December 1 and December 6 – 8 and includes games, crafts, entertainment, hay rides, treats, and a traditional Zoo Lights favorite: Santa’s Workshop.
Surrounded by his helpers, St. Nick will be on site to hear from the children’s wish lists and to take complimentary keepsake photos with everybody that stops by. Throughout the Zoo, staff and volunteers will lead guests of all ages through fun winter-themed games and in creating adorable holiday crafts. Also included with admission, the Wild Bites snack bar will be open to provide delicious hot cocoa, coffee, and cookies, although entrees and specialty beverages and snacks will also be available for purchase.
Hay rides and entertainment from local bands such as La Familia Loca, the Limberjim Bartz Band, and high school performance groups will occur nightly. An entertainment schedule is posted on the event’s web page at www.mgzoo.com. Additionally, guests may enter a unique raffle opportunity by bringing food donations for the Emergency Food Bank of San Joaquin or a toy donation for the Friends Outside organization.
In keeping with the zoo’s commitment to conservation, most of the lights displayed are LEDs (light-emitting diodes), which use only a fraction of the energy of standard holiday lights and last longer than traditional bulbs.
Zoo Lights admission fees are $10 for guests 14+, $5 for guests 3-13, and free for guests under the age of 3. Members receive a $2 discount but must present a valid membership card and ID. To avoid long lines at the admission gate, participants are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance at www.mgzoo.com. Micke Grove Zoo will close at 4PM each day Zoo Lights is scheduled. Important announcements such as cancellation due to inclement weather will be posted on the website after 4PM.
Micke Grove Zoo is located within Micke Grove Regional Park at 11793 N. Micke Grove Road in Lodi, California. The Micke Grove Zoological Society is a non-profit corporation that benefits Micke Grove Zoo through financial support, educational opportunities and community involvement.
Individuals that are interested in volunteering at the Zoo Lights programs are encouraged to attend a mandatory information meeting on Sunday, November 24 from 9AM-12PM at the Alice S. Hunter Education Building in Micke Grove Zoo. For more information on volunteering, please contact Education staff at
[email protected].