Philadelphia, PA - The animals at The Philadelphia Zoo, the nation's oldest zoo in America, are sharing their winter evenings with a sparkling holiday display called "LumiNature." This event returned to the Philadelphia Zoo last night for the 3rd season. It is a breathtaking display of sights and sounds.
After Angela Gruver and I entered the front zoo gate, where we were warmly greeted by Vikram Dewan, the Philadelphia Zoo president, we set out on the path that loops around the nearly entire 42-acre campus. You don’t see any live animals since the zoo is "dark," but you will find 14 themed sections of a glittering winter wonderland.
One of my favorite displays was the beautiful 25-foot pink Christmas tree constructed entirely of pink flamingos! Another famous attraction was a 40-foot prismatic penguin light show set to music with songs like Elton John's Philadelphia Freedom.
The show runs continuously. There were even heat lamps in the viewing area to keep attendees warm. Angie and I saw more than a million twinkling lights across 14 illuminated zones. Costumed actors in lighted costumes enlivened the experience. It was great fun running into Bill, Sandy Zimmerman from PhillyBite Magazine, and their beautiful daughter Angelina. This fantastic light display will get you in the holiday spirit. It had me ready to falalala.
Most people know I love wearing themed dresses. Since I was going to the zoo, I wore my panda dress, but now I wish I had worn a penguin dress. The dazzling LumiNature will continue through Jan. 7. Adult Tickets are $25 to $33. Parking is $17.
