About Toledo Zoo Lights
Toledo Zoo Lights is the best way to bond with your friends or family and have a bright and merry Christmas together. You can enjoy Santa Encounters, rides, and other activities. The event is family-friendly, so you can even bring your kids.
Festival Dates (Toledo Zoo Lights Before Christmas 2023)
Toledo Zoo Lights is held from late 17 November to 31 December 2023. It is celebrated during the holidays and is already a tradition in the place. You can have lots of fun and excitement upon visiting the fairy lights at Toledo Zoo.
Where It’s Located and How to Get There
The Toledo Zoo Lights is located at 2 Hippo Way, Toledo, OH 43609, United States. The zoo is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredits Toledo Zoo through 2022. It houses more than 10,000 animals which feature 720 species.
Visitors should park and enter through the Anthony Wayne Trail. There is public transportation to reach the Toledo Zoo. Additionally, you can ask for guidance and directions from the hospitable locals.
If you liked Toledo Zoo Lights, you might also want to check out these other zoo lights:
Festival Hours
You can enjoy the spectacular blinking Christmas lights from 3 pm to 9 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, while the lights open from 3 pm to 8 pm on Mondays to Thursdays. With this, you have a longer time to have fun and entertainment at the festival. There are lots of activities to enjoy with your loved ones or even if you’re a solo traveler.
How Much It Costs to Visit the Festival
The cost of visiting the festival of lights is $23 for children and seniors and $26 for adults, although prices may vary so it’s best to visit the zoo’s official website for the latest updates. You should also reserve your tickets online before you go to the light’s festival, as well as prepare for other expenses, including accommodation, shopping, transportation, activities, and food.
Weather and What to Wear
The Toledo Zoo Lights is celebrated from November to December, which is the winter season in the area. So, you should wear comfortable clothes that can keep you warm. Wear boots, gloves, jackets, sweaters, and other layering clothes to protect yourself from the cold weather.
With that, you can make the best of your experience at the light exhibition event despite the cold weather.
Hotels nearby Toledo zoo Christmas lights
After a tiring enjoyment at Toledo Zoo christmas Lights, you should have a comfortable space to sleep. Here are some of the top hotels you can choose for your accommodation needs.
Econo Lodge Inn & Suites
Econo Lodge Inn & Suites is one of the top hotels near the Toledo Zoo. It is near Lake Erie and has 24-hour fitness accessibility. It is also loaded with excellent amenities, including complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking, gym, and pool.
The hotel is pet-friendly and child-friendly. They also have laundry facilities, a 24-hour business center, a conference center, and a swimming pool. The hotel staff also prioritizes the safety and convenience of their guests. So, you have peace of mind that you can stay in a clean and safe space.
Econo Lodge Inn & Suites has nearby attractions, including Toledo Museum of Art, Valentine Theater, Lake Erie Metropark, Huntington Center, etc.
Hilton Garden Inn Toledo Downtown
Hilton Garden Inn Toledo Downtown is another pet-friendly hotel. The hotel features a gym, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and a pool table. It has conference space, meeting rooms, and a 24-hour business center.
You can access ATM/banking, sauna, and TV in common areas. They have a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, multilingual staff, wedding services, laundry, and dry-cleaning services. There are also free newspapers in the hotel lobby.
They have clean bedrooms because they follow safety and cleaning standards since they care for their guests’ health and safety. You can also approach their friendly team whenever you have concerns while staying at Hilton Garden Inn Toledo Downtown.
Days Inn by Wyndham Fremont
If you want a luxurious hotel experience, choosing the Days Inn by Wyndham Fremont is the best option. It also has excellent amenities that can enhance your stay. They offer complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi, a pool, gym, and free parking.
It is a pet-friendly hotel with meeting rooms, a business center, conference space, and a computer station. You can also enjoy nearby activities, including sailing, golfing, pool table, and personal watercraft. They have laundry facilities and 24-hour front desk services. The hotel has a garden, ATM/banking, swimming pool, and fitness center.
They also apply the best safety and cleaning practices to ensure your comfort and safety while staying at the hotel. They have a private bathroom and free cribs/ infant beds, making it a perfect hotel for families.
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Toledo South, OH
The hotel has 24-hour fitness and indoor pool. It can be an excellent hotel to rest in after visiting the light festival at Toledo Zoo. It is a non-smoking hotel with a pool, gym, free Wi-Fi, and free parking. It is also a pet-friendly hotel that comes with lots of useful amenities.
The Country Inn & Suites has a complimentary buffet breakfast, laundry facilities, a 24-hour front desk, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. The hotel also features a meeting room and business center. You can access the library, fireplace, tv in common areas, spa tub, and indoor pool.
Choosing the hotel is worth it since it can provide excellent customer service. With their friendly staff, you can get the best accommodation. You can have a relaxing hotel stay where you can feel at home.
Comfort Inn & Suites
The Comfort Inn & Suites has a health club and indoor pool. The hotel comes with a gym, kitchenette, free Wi-Fi, free parking, a meeting room, and a business center. They also have luggage storage, a 24-hour front desk, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and laundry and dry-cleaning services.
The hotel can offer you clean and organized bedrooms for a convenient hotel stay. They have a staff that will give you excellent accommodation.
What to Eat
After admiring the beautiful Christmas light show, you should treat yourself to some delicious foods. Here are some of the top restaurants you can visit to indulge yourself.
San Marcos Restaurant
San Marcos Restaurant offers vegetarian-friendly, Latin, and Mexican cuisines. They serve meals for dinner and lunch. They also have gluten-free and vegan options. The restaurant has fantastic staff, quality food, and a relaxing ambiance, so choosing San Marcos Restaurant can offer you fine dining.
Glendale Garden Cafe
The restaurant serves vegetarian-friendly options, cafe, and American foods. They serve meals for lunch, breakfast, brunch, and dinner. Glendale Garden Cafe has a vast menu, so you can choose the best meals that suit your taste. With their relaxing ambiance, you can eat conveniently and feel at home.
Real Seafood Company – Toledo
Do you love seafood? If yes, Real Seafood Company is the best choice. They offer vegetarian-friendly seafood and American cuisines. The restaurant also has vegan options and gluten-free options. Aside from their delicious foods, you can be amazed by the quality customer service provided by their staff.
More Things to Do in the Area
After spending quality nights at Toledo Zoo Lights, you should enjoy other things in the area. Here are some attractions you should visit during your travel to Toledo.
Walbridge Park
Visiting Walbridge Park is the perfect time to bond with your family and friends. You can have a picnic at the park while having a meaningful conversation with your loved ones. The park has toddling swings, playground sets, and big kid swings, so it is best for a family with kids. The park can help you experience tranquility and relaxation. You can also enjoy the fresh air at the park.
Toledo Museum of Art
If you love arts, you should visit the Toledo Museum of Art. It features the best arts from different parts of the world. They have a glass collection, paintings, and beautiful treasures. It is an impressive museum that can inspire everyone. The pieces are perfectly displayed and have a friendly staff who will answer your questions.
Wildwood Preserve Metropark
The Wildwood Preserve Metropark features Ohio’s best tall-grass prairies. It also has lots of activities you can enjoy. Additionally, you can admire different attractions, including a 100-year-old schoolhouse, a covered bridge, a boardwalk, and a hiking trail connecting to University/ Parks Trail. If you love nature, it can be an excellent spot to relax with nature. Walking at Wildwood Preserve Metropark can help you attain peace of mind and release stress.
Toledo Botanical Garden
Toledo Botanical Garden has acres of rose and herb gardens, fragrant meadows, and wildflowers. You can be amazed by the beautiful scenery you can see in the garden.
Thanks for reading.
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FAQ
1. What are the parking options during the Toledo Zoo Lights event?
Answer: There is parking available at the zoo’s main parking lot. However, due to the popularity of the Zoo Lights event, the lot can fill up quickly. Additional parking might be available at nearby lots, and using public transportation or carpooling is also encouraged.
2. Can I smoke during the Zoo Lights event?
Answer: Smoking, including the use of e-cigarettes and vaping devices, is not permitted within the zoo premises. Designated smoking areas may be provided outside of the main entrances.
3. Are pets allowed at Toledo Zoo Lights?
Answer: Pets are not permitted within the zoo grounds for the safety of the animals and guests. However, ADA-recognized service animals are allowed.
4. What are the operating hours for the Toledo Zoo Lights?
Answer: The Zoo Lights typically begin in the early evening and run until late night. For specific hours and dates, it’s best to check the Toledo Zoo’s official website.
5. Are there food and drink options available during the event?
Answer: Yes, a range of food and drink vendors will be operational, offering everything from warm beverages to hearty meals. Additionally, some of the zoo’s regular dining options may also be open.
6. Is the zoo wheelchair accessible during Zoo Lights?
Answer: Yes, the Toledo Zoo is ADA-compliant and provides accessible pathways. Wheelchair rentals may also be available at the zoo’s entrance.
7. Are there special attractions or activities during Zoo Lights?
Answer: Absolutely! In addition to the mesmerizing light displays, visitors can often enjoy live entertainment, ice slide rides, visits with Santa, and more.
8. Can I take photos or videos during the event?
Answer: Guests are certainly encouraged to capture their memories at the Toledo Zoo Lights. However, tripods and other professional equipment might require prior permission, and any photography intended for commercial use will definitely need the zoo’s approval.
Sources: https://visittoledo.org/events/lights-before-christmas/
