Ten Cities with Incredible Zoo Light Displays In the United States, the holiday season is one of the best times of the year for you to visit your local zoo. Across the nation, many zoos have fantastic LED light displays that are among the best in their entire city. While it may be a bit colder, these light displays are without a doubt a highlight of the holiday season. Light displays are events that are fun for the entire family and are a perfect occasion for getting together with your friends. In order to create these truly dazzling displays, many zoos partner with commercial Christmas light companies. By working with an established vendor who has a wide variety of lights available, every holiday lights display can truly be one of a kind. In this article, we will discuss 10 of the most impressive Christmas zoo lights in the country. While any major light show will certainly be worth seeing, these are ten of the zoos we believe have done a truly exceptional job. 1. Portland, Oregon Located in Portland, the Oregon Zoo has one of the most beautiful light shows you’ll ever experience. The illuminated train, which winds throughout the entire zoo, creates a miraculous experience that is fun for the whole family. The lights are provided by Christmas Designers, one of the most well-known names in the holiday lighting industry. 2. St. Louis, Missouri The St. Louis Zoo was not only named the best free zoo in the entire world—it was also recognized as the best free family attraction in the entire United States. As you walk around this beautiful zoo, located in historic Forest Park, you’ll see why both the zoo and the light show are able to live up to their stellar reputations. 3. Cincinnati, Ohio The Cincinnati Zoo offers a holiday light display with many different fascinating features. As you’ll see above, one of the most notable features is the giant illuminated tunnel that all guests are free to walk through. A recent USA Today poll named this attraction the top zoo light display in the country. 4. Washington, DC As the nation’s capital, there is certainly a lot of pressure for Washington DC to put on a fabulous zoo lights display. Fortunately, it seems that Smithsonian’s National Zoo was able to rise to the occasion. With plenty of unique light displays, the zoo lights are the
perfect attraction is perfect for both DC locals and visitors alike. Best of all, the display itself is entirely free. 5. Memphis, Tennessee The Memphis Zoo—along with San Diego, Atlanta, and Washington—is one of only four zoos in the nation with a panda. It is also a zoo that puts on an incredible holiday lights display every year. One of the most notable attractions is the Ferris wheel, which allows guests to access the perfect vantage point for viewing the multi-acre display. 6. Denver, Colorado The Denver Zoo lights have been a tradition dating back to the early 1980s. With more than 2 million LED lights, there is no denying that this display is nothing short of visually spectacular. Within the zoo, you’ll find several niche displays, ranging from the festival of lanterns to Santa’s workshop to everything in between. 7. Houston, Texas One of the nice things about being in Houston during December is that, unlike most of the country, the chances of the temperature dropping below freezing are relatively low. But, additionally, Houstonians will also have the pleasure of enjoying a fantastic zoo lights display. The promenade, complete with fountains and illuminated trees overhead, is always a local favorite. 8. Detroit, Michigan The Detroit “Wild Lights” display contains more than 5 million LED bulbs, allowing viewers to have an incredible, comprehensive experience. Between flashing lights, elaborate LED tunnels, and various character displays, the Detroit Zoo really does have it all. In total, there are more than 220 sculptures of animals. 9. Chicago, Illinois While the Lincoln Park Zoo may not be as large as its Brookfield counterpart in the suburbs, it is located near the heart of the city and is also free for all to enjoy. The Ferris wheel allows guests to take in stunning views of Chicago’s world-famous skyline. With a warm cup of cocoa and thick winter jacket, you’ll be able to brave the cold Lake Michigan winter. 10. San Diego, California The San Diego Zoo has often been recognized as not only the best zoo in the nation but—quite possibly—the best zoo in the entire world. As one of the larger zoos with plenty of room in the budget, the good people of San Diego manage to put on a
spectacular lights display every year. Best of all, San Diego’s average December temperature is a joyous 62 degrees. Conclusion If you are looking for something fun to do with your family this winter, look no further than our nation’s many spectacular LED Christmas light displays. There are more than 100 different holiday light displays to choose from, meaning there is almost certainly an enjoyable option well within reach.