Lights before Christmas sets the pace for holiday cheer
November 10, 2016
Zoo to Unwrap Annual Christmas Festival with 5K to Benefit Wildlife Conservation
Race over to Riverbanks for Columbia’s longest running holiday tradition as BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina presents the 29th annual Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.
To kick-off this year’s event, the Zoo will host its first 5K to benefit wildlife conservation and education efforts at Riverbanks. The race will begin at 7:30am on Saturday, November 19. The run will wind through the park’s scenic back roads, cross the Saluda River and pass some of the most popular exhibits in the Zoo. Runners and walkers are encouraged to register online in advance; space is limited.
The Zoo will then illuminate Saturday evening beginning at 5:00pm with nearly one million twinkling lights and countless animated images. Guests are invited to meander through the park while soaking in the sights and sounds of the holiday season.
On chilly nights, cozy up to the Jingle Bell bonfire—an ideal retreat for making s’mores, sipping hot cocoa and watching it snow; Riverbanks is the only place in town where it snows every night. In addition, Santa Claus will be greeting guests at Santa’s Village starting at 6:00pm nightly through December 23.
Lights Before Christmas will take place November 19 – December 30 from 5:00pm – 9:00pm. Lights will be closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Admission is $11 for adults and $9 for children ages 2 – 12. Children under 2 are admitted free. Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance online.
All Riverbanks members are eligible for one or more free visits to Lights depending on membership level. A valid membership card and picture ID are required; guest passes will not be accepted. Additional information on membership packages and benefits also can be found on Riverbanks’ website.
Event parking will be available on the Zoo side only.
About Riverbanks Zoo and Garden:
For more than 40 years, Riverbanks Zoo and Garden has connected individuals, families and groups with the world’s wildlife and wild places. Riverbanks is a special purpose district governed by the Riverbanks Park Commission, which consists of seven members, two appointed by Richland County Council, two by Lexington County Council, two by the City of Columbia, and one jointly by the three entities. It is the mission of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden to foster appreciation and concern for all living things. Riverbanks Zoo is located at 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, SC 29210. The Botanical Garden entrance is located at 1300 Botanical Parkway, West Columbia, SC 29169. The park is open daily from 9am to 5pm, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas day. Admission is $15.95 for adults, $13.50 for children ages 2 – 12 and free for children younger than 2. Group rates and other discounts may apply. Year-round membership packages are also available. For more information, call Riverbanks at 803.779.8717 or visit www.riverbanks.org.
