Festival of Lights returns to Cosley
A cherished holiday tradition for many families, Cosley Zoo's Festival of Lights and Tree Sales is ready to welcome visitors for the 32nd year.
The day after Thanksgiving, Cosley Zoo becomes Wheaton's winter wonderland with thousands of twinkling lights throughout the zoo.
Visitors can experience vibrant reds and greens as they stroll through the Vern Kiebler Learning Center and see the goats and sheep; visit with Cadbury, the French lop rabbit, and Elmo, the miniature donkey, while listening to "Baby, It's Cold Outside;" and peruse Christmas Tree Lane, where trees have been decorated by local clubs, charities, social circles and families.
While guests can enjoy hot chocolate or buy Christmas trees, wreaths and decorative items, they also can buy a gift for the zoo's animals. On the zoo's wish tree, each ornament corresponds to an enrichment item for the zoo's animals. Purchasing the ornament guarantees the item will be purchased.
"Past examples have included a heated birdbath for the songbirds, a mirror for the peahen, (and) spices to sprinkle in animal exhibits to stimulate their sense of smell," said Natasha Fischer, the zoo's education manager.
All purchases are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law and benefit the zoo's animals and programs.
On Saturdays, Nov. 28 and Dec. 5 and 12, families can meet Santa and make seasonal crafts during Santa's Craft Corner, running 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. A $5 donation per family is requested, with printed photos available for $3 each.
"We have done this tradition for 15 years and I can honestly say that we keep coming back because the kids have grown up with Cosley," said Margaret Philbrick, local author, gardener and mother of three.
"From playing on the caboose to playing hide-and-seek between the Christmas trees, Cosley embodies the wholesome fun of being a kid."
Though her children are grown, "going back to Cosley gives them the sights and smells of their childhood again," she said. "Innocent fun, hot chocolate, farm animals and Christmas. Who needs technology?"
Admission is free during the Festival of Lights and Tree Sales, but donations are greatly appreciated. The Wild Side Gift Shop will have seasonal gifts - including animal painting kits guests can use for making paw-print paintings with their own pets - for sale, along with animal adoptions and zoo memberships.
On Cyber Monday, Nov. 30, memberships will be discounted $7 at wheatonparkdistrict.com/blackfriday.
Except for Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the zoo will be open daily 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27, to Wednesday, Dec. 30. On Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, the zoo will be open 9 a.m. to noon. The zoo will be closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.
Lights come on daily at 3 p.m.
To learn more about the Festival of Lights and Christmas Tree Sales, visit cosleyzoo.org or call (630) 665-5534.
If you go
What: Cosley Zoo's Festival of Lights and Tree Sales
When: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily Friday, Nov. 27, to Wednesday, Dec. 30; 9 a.m. to noon Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and New Year's Day
Where: Cosley Zoo, 1356 N. Gary Ave., Wheaton
Cost: Free admission; fees for some activities
Info: (630) 665-5534 or cosleyzoo.org