Magic is in the air! (Photo: M.Kopp)

“It’s your lucky night
Brought you something bright
Something with a twinkle and a glow
To remember
The lights of long ago”

Source: A Christmas Carol, “Lights of Long Ago”

Not even Scrooge could hold a scowl for long in the glow of Calgary’s Zoo Lights. For the past 15 years, this annual holiday treasure has captivated young and old alike. I checked it out last night and ended up chatting with one of the warming fire volunteers, John, for a few moments.

“It’s a cheap date night,” John noted with a big smile, “especially for groups of teens.” And now, some of the teens from 15 years ago are coming back – with young families of their own.

That’s the sweet thing about festive traditions – they have a way of touching the soul and banishing the “bah humbug” in us all!

From penguins to elephants, giraffes to monkeys – animals light up the Zoo! (Photo: M.Kopp)

Did You Know?

• It takes 3 months to set up the display.
• Over 133,000 spectators enjoyed the lights in 2011 (just 3,000 shy of the record-breaking attendance in 2005).
• Ice carving demonstrations are held every Friday and Saturday night.
• If you bring a non-perishable food bank donation, you’ll get a 2 for 1 Zoo admission pass good for the first part of the New Year.