TOLEDO, Ohio — Since Thanksgiving is only a few days away, many have already started pulling out the Christmas decorations. The Toledo Zoo is no exception. So, to kick off the 38 days until Christmas, over a million lights were officially turned on at the Zoo's Lights Before Christmas event.
This event has been a zoo tradition for 38 years, and with every year, it seems to get bigger and better than the last. WTOL was all over the grounds speaking with families about their experiences. One mother and father have been brining their two children, a son and daughter, for years.
"We've been coming about 14 years since our oldest Jenna was born. It's just a great holiday tradition for us as a family to kick off the season," The mother said.
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"I love to see the big polar bears coming out. I see them growing just like our little polar bears," the father added to his wife's comment.
Additionally, no matter the age, events like this have allowed attendees of all ages to find something they love.
"I'm enjoying a Great Lakes Christmas Ale actually. So it's warming me up in a different kind of way," said one grandfather holding his granddaughter.
A small group of young children crowded around WTOL 11's Maya May and explained how much they loved everything about the lights.
"Because Santa, I love Santa," said one boy.
"I love Santa and reindeer," said a little girl in agreement.
The Lights Before Christmas features a 85-foot Norway Spruce, a Winter Village, there are dancing lights, model trains, toys, and of course, all of the animals.
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