Jack Hanna of the Columbus Zoo

What do you get when you mix sponsorship from one of America’s largest energy providers and a world renowned zoo? Not withstanding the overall sleep deprived status of the zoos inhabitants, you reap the benefits one of the most impressive and enjoyable Christmas Light displays anywhere. The Columbus Zoo is celebrating it’s 20th year of Wildlights.

The Columbus Zoo, located just north of Columbus, OH at 4850 West Powel Road in Powell, OH has partnered this year with American Electric Power (AEP) to make this year’s Christmas Light display even lighter and brighter. More importantly, the partnership has enabled the Columbus Zoo to make this year’s display greener than ever before. We’re not talking about green lights, though I’m sure you’ll find plenty among the over 3 million lights on display.

Greener, as in reducing environmental impact. AEP’s partnership with the Zoo has enabled them to convert the conventional lighting displays to the more energy friendly LED lights. The result is a brighter light that burns more efficiently and lasts longer than the traditional bulbs. They cost less to operate and by having to replace fewer bulbs will reduce waste.

Mangels Carousel

Wildlights is set to begin November 21 and will be running nightly through January 3. Hours are Sundays through Thursdays 5 pm until 9 pm (10 pm Fridays and Saturdays) and admission is free with your paid Zoo admission. A special member’s only preview is scheduled for November 20.

Local high school choirs and carolers are scheduled to perform at the newly renovated Entry Village on selected evenings. The Central Ohio Model Railroad Club has helped, in part, to provide an impressive model railroad display in that area as well.

I can’t wait to see the animated light display at The Watering Hole. Newly added this year, there is a much touted light display animated and set to music at the central pond. It is scheduled to begin every half hour and lasts approximately nine minutes. To use their words, it is “extravagant.”

Wildlights at the Watering Hole

You can also bring your ice skates (or rent a pair for $3) and enjoy the Frozone Ice Rink. According to the Zoo website, the Ice Rink usage will be based on capacity. That means expect a crowd.

Certainly this is not a comprehensive or ranked list of the many activities you can expect to enjoy at this year’s Wildlights for, as my kids are quick to mention, Santa will also be there. Is it mention or scream? “SANTA, SANTA, SANTA!!!”  Sometimes I get confused. By all means, make sure your kids bring their wish list as Santa will be on hand at the Water’s Edge Events Park to assess naughty and nice and accept last minute requests and pictures. Hint: Don’t pull this Santa’s Beard!

There are so many things to do during Wildlights that you may just forget that there are animals on display. Don’t forget, the zoo is open year round 9 am – 6 pm. Though some of the animals are off display during the colder winter months there are plenty of creatures that love this time of year as well as the numerous indoor exhibits.

Come early and stay late experiencing one of Central Ohio’s favorite holiday traditions, Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo.

Wildlights is closed Nov. 27, Dec. 24 and Dec. 25.

Photos: Ed Lamaze, Fensterbme (Creative Commons)

Austin skyline at night

If you have ever been to Austin, Texas, then you have probably been to Zilker Park. If not, then I suggest you make this a destination spot when you come. This crown jewel of Austin is over 350 acres just south of Lady Bird Lake (formally Town Lake) right next to downtown. The park is full of activities that you and your family will enjoy!

To start the day off there is nothing better than a swim in Barton Springs Pool. The pool is a natural spring-fed pool with an average temperature of 68 degrees all year long. Even in the Winter there are people in the water so don’t be shy about bringing your swimsuits!

Barton Springs Pool

Outside of the pool there is a giant playground for the kids to burn off some energy and a snack bar for lunch when everybody gets hungry. After lunch you can jump on the Zilker Zephyr miniature train that takes you around the north and east side of the park. While on the train you will more than likely see Wood Woode playing guitar and harmonica for the passengers near Lou Neff Point.

Lou Neff Point overlooks Lady Bird Lake towards downtown Austin. Ducks, swans, turtles, squirrels, people in canoes that they rented upstream on Barton Creek, joggers, and families walking around with their kids congregate here to relax for a moment and take in the beauty of Austin. Rent a canoe while you are there and bring a loaf of bread to feed the ducks!

Canoes and ducks at Lou Neff Point

There are many things to see at Zilker Park depending on what time of year you come. If it is in the Spring then bring a kite and participate in the Zilker Park Kite Festival. The 4th of July fireworks show is also great time to be here. In September you can see three days of live music at the Austin City Limits Music Festival. During the Christmas season there is the Trail of Lights – a magical wonderland of lighting displays and a giant campfire next to the Zilker Tree.

Do you like to play disc golf? Zilker Park has a 9-hole course that is perfect for families to enjoy. This course is not the most challenging in Austin, which makes it a great place to take your kids who are just getting the hang of the game.

After a round of disc golf you can head across the street to the Austin Science and Nature Center where you will find nature trails, Texas wildlife, and activities for the kids.

Zilker Botanical Gardens

One of the most beautiful places at the park is the Zilker Botanical Gardens. The gardens and trails are open year-round and always have a plethora of flowers blooming. There is a Japanese garden with many goldfish swimming around in the ponds. The Botanical Gardens is a popular place for weddings and other events. It is also an amazing spot for family photos.

If you want to see great art at Zilker Park then head over to the Umlauf Sculpture Gardens and Museum. There are over 100 sculptures there and the Gardens can be rented out for special occasions. Charles Umlauf was a 20th century American sculptor that taught at the University of Texas. Some of the work there is from his students.

Are you coming to Austin in the Spring or Summer? Check the schedule for the Beverely S. Sheffield Zilker Hillside Theater to see if a production of Shakespeare in the Park, the Austin Symphony or Civic Orchestra, or the Summer Musicals happening during your visit. Admission is free!

No matter what time of year you come to Austin, Zilker Park has something for everyone! Bring your family, pack a lunch, and don’t forget your camera.

Photos by James Grayson

Snow for Sleeping Beauty

When most people think of Disneyland Resort (that being the area containing the original Disneyland, Disney’s California Adventure, Downtown Disney and the three Disney hotels) they tend to think of a summer destination for their family vacation.  Here’s something to consider, Disney for the holidays.

The entire area is transformed.

The hotels (Disneyland Hotel, Paradise Pier and Grand Californian) each have their own Christmas trees and holiday decorations, respectively, as well as daily winter-based activities for guests of all ages, including crafts, tours and workshops.

Downtown Disney takes on the festive feel of the season, complete with themed displays and a constant soundtrack of holiday tunes provided by live musicians, wandering carolers or piped through the speakers.

Disney’s California Adventure (DCA) sticks with its California motif and embraces Santa in a more relaxed mindset.  Here you will find sand instead of snow and the reindeer games consist of beach activities- even Santa opts for bermuda shorts and a Hawaiian print shirt rather than his traditional garb.

Winter in the 100 Acre Woods

Disneyland goes a more traditional route with its decorating.  The entire park is a holiday, evoking the likes of Norman Rockwell, Bing Crosby and Burl Ives.  There are special shows, parades, treats and merchandise (including a fantastic and large assortment of holiday decor and clothing).

The Disney characters are often dressed accordingly, especially Goofy that spends his days in Toon Town dressed as Santa and posing for pictures.

Mickey for the Holidays

Each night snow falls throughout Disneyland, from Main Street, U.S.A. to New Orleans Square.

The Small World and Haunted Mansion attractions have special holiday themes which are so well done that many, including my family, prefer the seasonal overlay to the original.

The winter weather in Anaheim is typically sunny with daytime temperatures in the 60s and 70s.  The nights cool down quite a bit and you should pack accordingly- especially since it can become chilly and wet without much warning.

If at all possible, try to arrange your vacation during the week to offset the crowds, but keep in mind that the closer you get to the holidays the more likely that local schools will be on break.

The Holiday festivities run from November 21, 2008 through January 4, 2009.

Photos by Whit Honea