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LEHIGH VALLEY WEATHER

Winter Light Spectacular kindles holiday spirit at the zoo

With a dazzling display of lights, the Lehigh Valley Zoo has been transformed from the familiar to the fantastical with more than 1.2 million twinkling lights during the annual Winter Light Spectacular.

Trees outlined in white lights made a striking contrast to the multicolored tunnels and arches beckoning visitors along the path through the zoo.

Most of the animals were tucked away, with one exception: two large reindeer walked the perimeter of a large penned in area.

“There’s Donder and Blitzen,” said a small girl dragging her mother and pointing.

“I really like Christmas and I know it’s a lot of work so I wanted to help out,” said high school student Abbey Thompson, one of the many volunteers at the zoo.

Emmaus high schooler Madilyn Weiner, another volunteer, completed an online application and was accepted into a large cadre of people wishing to deliver holiday cheer in a year where it is sorely needed.

Besides viewing the light displays, there are numerous other activities for all ages.

Youngsters were thrilled to see the Grinch ensconced in a sled outlined in lights, while a loudspeaker delivered the familiar story.

In another area, visitors watched the holiday favorite “Home Alone” as they clustered around one of three huge fire pits roasting marshmallows.

A live presentation of songs from “Frozen” alternates with those from “Beauty and the Beast” capturing the imagination of young and old alike.

The Winter Light Spectacular will be presented Wednesday through Sunday evenings until Jan. 2, 2021.

Hours are 6-10 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays and 5-10 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

To ensure safety during these COVID-19 times, guest capacity is limited and face masks are required.

All safety protocols will be followed. Visitors may purchase timed tickets online.

Tickets will be sold on a limited basis.

Glowing life-size animals add to the wonder of the twinkling landscape at the Winter Light Spectacular at the Lehigh Valley Zoo in Schnecksville.
Visitors can actually climb into Cinderella's iconic coach, made even more memorable with hundreds of lights.
The bright lights at the L.V. Zoo's Winter Light Spectacular help ease the dark worries caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
PRESS PHOTOS BY ANNA GILGOFF Using lights like a palette of colors, various combinations surprise visitors around every corner of the Lehigh Valley Zoo.