The only thing cooler than walking through a winter wonderland is walking through WILDLIGHTS in Seattle! Last Friday night, my husband and I bundled up for a date under the stars at Woodland Park Zoo. It was the perfect way to walk off all those Christmas cookies and pies while still feeling festive and celebratory.
Disclaimer: I was given tickets to WildLights in exchange for my honest review.
The excitement was palpable, even in the parking lot. Grandmas and grandpas, moms and dads, and kiddos spilled out of cars, giggling and talking happily in their puffy coats. By the way, parking is FREE at WildLights, a rarity in the Emerald City… and a nice touch.
The zoo closes in between their regular day operations and the WildLights display (it’s a separate ticket), so as the trees and shrubs turned into a rainbow of colors just outside the gate, a joyful line of folks began to form. There were young couples holding hands and mochas, and a bunch pushing strollers, and some parents and kids eating pizza while we all waited for the show to begin! The mom standing behind me encouraged her toddler to look up at the moon as she pointed up at the night sky. They enjoyed a special memory before even entering the zoo. It all felt like a collective Christmas morning for everyone!
Once inside the zoo walls, my husband and I discovered a sight for busy, laptop-weary eyes. Walking through WildLights was like a magical trek through a life-size Lite Brite display! (They actually have an interactive Lite Brite for kids of all ages). Of all the displays, including the funny monkeys hanging from above, and the lions and tigers, and flamingos, oh my, my favorite was the eagles. Your eyes are drawn to a nest high in a tree, and the majestic birds swoop in to care for their feathered family. It was unlike anything we had ever seen and a real crowd pleaser.
Any time we got a bit too cold, a warming fire toasted us right back up. It was actually entertaining to find the sparking pits glowing in the dark and discover how quickly you can warm up. Families and friends would gather around some of the warming fires in chairs, stopping to relax on their expedition. There are plenty of places to forage for popcorn or much heartier fare if you like the idea of enjoying a snack fireside.
WildLights is a memory-making machine! Even though the animal residents snooze right through the spectacle, it is impossible for a human to be bored at WildLights! It’s also a wonderful opportunity to share something special with family who are here in Seattle visiting for the holidays. It will get you talking and smiling and remembering the good old days.
WildLights also encourages you to stop and soak in the wonder of this beautiful season. When you’re not being dazzled by the artsy, whimsical displays, (which is pretty much always), you might take a moment to look up and notice the phase of the moon, or teach a little one the name of a constellation. It’s the most fun recipe for quality time here in Seattle at Christmas!
So invite someone you love, find your warmest mittens, and go see WildLights at Woodland Park Zoo. Your heart will feel lit from within on this memorable, magical trek!
