Holiday Lights at Jungle Gardens Continues

Christmas in tropical paradise might be hard to imagine at times, but is trying to bridge that gap with its holiday lights walk.

Visitors can pay an admission to Jungle Gardens and walk through the zoological park and look at Christmas lights in all sorts of shapes and sizes, and visit Santa and more.

The walk continues Friday through Sunday from 6 to 9 p.m. and returns for its final weekend on Dec. 16-24. Cost is $11 for adults, $6 for kids ages 3 to 12, and kids younger than 3 years are free.

When you enter the gardens, you'll hear Christmas tunes sung by local musicians to help get you into the spirit as lights shaped as flamingos, owls, and palm trees light the path around the park.

It is dark out, so don't expect to see many animals sides from the flamingos in the lagoon, but the lemurs, toucans and even the skunk might be awake for the show as you meander through the path. The Reptile World exhibit is open during the evening event to get a peak at some snakes as well as exotic spiders.

The gardens also has a few holiday activities like cookie decorating for $1 per cookie, or you can roast s'mores at the fire pit for $2. They also are selling a catered dinner each night, too.

Santa is available to hear Christmas wishes and to have his photo taken from 6 to 9 p.m. at the gazebo, and at 7 and 8 p.m., Nick Locapo presents a magic show at the Birds of the Rainforest Pavilion.

For more information, call 355-1112, ext. 306 or visit www.sarasotajunglegardens.com.