Lights and more at the zoo

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 02/12/2019 (2419 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

It hasn’t been an easy year for Winnipeg, and though the Blue Bombers’ Grey Cup win was a much-needed boost for the city, many Winnipeggers are looking for ways to uplift their spirits and enjoy the season.

There’s something new at the zoo this year that could be just what the doctor ordered. The Assiniboine Park Zoo’s Zoo Light Festival, presented by Red River Co-op will feature thousands of light installations to bring to life a magically illuminated winter town aptly called Polar Town. The Zoo Lights Festival will feature interactive experiences, entertainment, a Third + Bird market, refreshments, and more.

“This is the first year for this event – it’s brand new,” said Laura Cabak, communications and public relations manager, Assiniboine Park Conservancy.

“Our guests will enjoy dazzling light displays plus great food, entertainment, shopping and activities. More than just a winter light show, Zoo Lights Festival will feature interactive experiences, entertainment, and amazing cultural, musical and artistic experiences. Each night is unique and there is something for everyone. We have partnered with really talented local organizations and entertainers to create a unique interactive experience that’s never been done before in Winnipeg or Manitoba,” Cabak explained.

On the Canadian prairies where the weather is famous for its unpredictability, there’s no need to worry about ever becoming uncomfortably cold at this event. Although the Zoo Lights Festival is an outdoor winter activity, there will be many opportunities for visitors to warm up inside various stops in Polar Town including the Town Hall (near the Zoo entrance), Third + Bird Market (at the McFeetors Heavy Horse Centre), and the Tundra Grill.

“There will also be several fire pits where guests can roast s’mores,” Cabak added.

Beaver Tails and Faraci Foods will have their food trucks at Town Hall. There will also be food available at the Tundra Grill and Winston’s Snack Shack, located at the Icy Forest entrance. A selection of hot and cold cocktails can be purchased at the Town Hall, Winston’s or the Tundra Grill.
The Zoo Lights Festival will run for 32 nights. It began Nov. 30 and runs till Sun., Jan. 5 with regular hours on most nights between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m.

The event will be closed on the first three Mondays in December as well as Christmas Eve and Christmas Day but will stay open until midnight for Late Night Parties in Polar Town on Saturday nights (Dec. 7, 14, 21, 28 and Jan. 4) and on New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31).

Tickets are $12 each and can be purchased online or at the Zoo entrance. Children two years of age and under do not require a ticket.

Visit: https://www.assiniboineparkzoo.ca/zoo/zoo-lights-festival for more information.