Some Photos from the Epic Holiday Lights at the Bronx Zoo
Turns out the hour trek north is definitely worthwhile
There’s no shortage of exciting holidays traditions to experience while living in New York City. From festive European-inspired holiday markets and picturesque ice skating rinks to soaring Christmas trees and dizzying light displays, New Yorkers know how to party - a skill that spills over into the jolliest season of the year.
Nothing compares and locals can’t help but benefit.
Over the years I’ve had a chance to enjoy most of the city’s iconic holiday attractions, save for the Holiday Lights at the Bronx Zoo. Opened in 1899, it’s billed as the largest urban zoo in the country and no expense is spared during Christmas.
Case in point: More than two million lights illuminate the landscape where extraordinary wildlife lanterns representing almost 100 animal and plant species take center stage.
I had every intention of visiting in years past, but you know how it goes - some things get punted to the back burner and never see the dinner table. Plus, the zoo is one hour north from my apartment, it’s not a quick detour by any stretch of the imagination.
Well, now that we have a baby around, we decided to dive into the holidays a bit early this year. Rather than waiting until December to start in earnest, we figured we’d kick things off as soon as experiences opened for the season — so off to the zoo we went.
And damn, I really wish I hadn’t waited so long to visit because the lights exceeded expectations. Really, it was way more fun than I anticipated. In hindsight, the three minute walk from the bus stop to the zoo officially bridged the gap between “late November” and “the Holidays.”
We arrived at 5pm and it was already pitch black (I can hear the collective sigh from here!). After studying the map we made a game plan to start with hot chocolate before wandering the zoo counterclockwise.
Libations in hand, we tucked the baby into her stroller and made the rounds. We meandered past elaborate displays of paper maché species in their natural habitats, weaving past excited children pointing in every direction. Parents were in high spirits too, seems like everyone felt deprived of the holiday spirit!
What was originally going to be a two hour trip turned into four fleeting hours. Before we knew it, it was time to feed the baby and catch the hour-long subway home. We left the zoo elated, the holidays have officially begun and we couldn’t be happier!
I hope you’re ready for ALL the holiday photos in the coming weeks. Christmas in New York City is truly special!
P.S. One of the highlights of the night was watching the expert ice carvers at work. What unbelievable talent! The kids around us were just as mesmerized.
