Brighten your holiday at Lights Before Christmas

COLUMBIA - Riverbanks Zoo and Garden opened its gates on Saturday, Nov. 22, for the 21st annual Lights Before Christmas.

Trees adorned with nearly one million twinkling lights and more than 350 handcrafted images set the scene for what has become a holiday tradition for many Midlands families.

"When the lights come on, the park comes to life," said Satch Krantz, executive director of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. "To watch so many families delight in such a treasure is truly magical and that is what the holiday season at Riverbanks is all about."

This year, guests will be welcomed into the ultimate Winter Wonderland with a redesigned front entrance. Two six-foot snowmen will greet visitors as they make their way to the gate adorned with a 4,000 square-foot Canopy of Lights, trees handwrapped with environmentally friendly ColorWave ä LEDs, and dazzling images of falling snowflakes.

New to Lights 2008 will be Story Time in Safari Camp. Guests can cozy up to the fire and listen as seasonal stories are read aloud. They can also sing along to the Music in Motion Lights Spectacular, a 10-minute digital light show complete with enchanting holiday carols and seamlessly choreographed lights that dance up and down a 20-foot Christmas tree lit with 30,000 energy-efficient LEDs.

Lights-goers will have the opportunity to sip hot cocoa and roast up a toasty marshmallow treat at the Jingle Bell Bonfire. And of course, no visit to the Lights Before Christmas is complete without a stop to see Santa to share your holiday wishes and snap a photo with the jolly fellow. Photos with Saint Nick are free when you use your personal camera.

Tinkerdoodle Christmas will be showing in the 3-D Adventure Theater. The short 3-D film takes place on Christmas Eve when L. Fastidious Tinkerdoodle, one of Santa's elves, can't keep from messing things up. Visitors can take a break from the cool winter air and warm up as they watch to see if Santa makes it out the door in time to deliver all the presents.

The lights will shine until Tuesday, Dec. 30, with closings on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. General admission is $8 for adults and $6 for children ages 3-12. You can by pass the long lines by purchasing tickets in advance online at www.riverbanks. org.