This is typically the time of year where I am going to start writing “oh, the weather outside is weather”… but it’s been pleasantly mild for the last several days. I’ve still needed a jacket and toque, so I wouldn’t call it warm, but mild is very accurate. So accurate, in fact, that Tyler and I actually left home and went to Zoolights last Thursday. 

Or, as this signage says, “OOLIGHTS”. 

And it was just classic, festive, fun. Because it was so nice out, we really took our time wandering the grounds. We bought hot chocolate, both spiked and normal, and sat next to the many fire pyramids that are dotted around the zoo. We chatted with the fire attendants and shared our favourite holiday movies. (Look, we weren’t a thing last Christmas season, so we have a lot of movies to catch up on.)

We even managed to tick off one more item on my unhinged Bucket List! One of the fire attendants let it slip that mulled wine was for sale! We grabbed a mulled wine and made a game of guessing what animals the lights were supposed to be shaped like. Pig? Hippo? Sheep?

Don’t worry. It eventually became apparent that it was a hippo.

Our night was mild and it was easy to stay outdoors, but I do think it would be do-able in slightly colder weather, especially if you bundled up. Like I said, there are tons of fires with seating throughout the zoo. But also, the conservatory is open this year and they have lights set up on both sides! It was the perfect setting to warm up and get a few cute pictures. (In theory. I was not cute in our pictures, so they are not included.)

For those interested in the stats, this is what you need to know about Zoolights, running from Nov 15, 2024 – Jan 5, 2025. Entry begins at 5pm and you cannot stay from the day into the night – it is a separate ticket. The price is variable from day to day, but it’s usually around $20. They recommend buying your tickets in advance for a better price. We were on the grounds for about 2.5 hours, though, so fairly good value. 

I don’t know, guys, it was just so damn festive. Maybe a little bit pricey, but I’m so glad we did it.