Record Breaking Visits at Lights Before Christmas
A record 179,267 visitors attended the Toledo Zoo’s 2012 Lights Before Christmas, November 16 - December 31. This is the best attendance since the attraction opened in 1986.
Jeff Sailer, executive director, credited new Winter Playland attractions which featured a walk-in snow globe and 15-foot rocking horse. “The Lights Before Christmas is a holiday tradition for many families in the area, and this year we wanted to give them something exciting to add to their experience.”
Sailer said a Zoo-wide commitment to positive visitor experiences, including affordable ride passes and enhanced Zoo member visit benefits, plus comprehensive marketing to attract visitors from surrounding states, also contributed to the increase. Unseasonably warm weather through much of November and December was another factor, he added.
Since 1986, the Lights Before Christmas has drawn families to the Toledo Zoo for dazzling lights, holiday treats and festive good cheer. The 2012 season kicked off on Friday, November 16, with the ceremonial lighting of the Zoo’s 85-foot Norway spruce tree, which two organizations (Travelocity and Decoist) have named one of the country’s best. Selected evenings featured carolers, ice carving, family activities and more.
KeyBank is the longtime presenting sponsor of the Lights Before Christmas. Taylor Automotive Family sponsored the new Winter Playland activities. The Blade was the print media sponsor for the opening weekend.
The Zoo offers the community one more chance to enjoy the Lights Before Christmas, with an encore presentation on Friday, January 4 and Saturday, January 5. Details are at toledozoo.org/lights.
Press Release Contact Name: Kandace York
Press Release Contact Email: [email protected]
Organization Name: Toledo Zoo
Organization Address: Toledo, OH