Cosley Zoo's Festival of Lights shines bright starting Friday

Buying a Christmas tree at Wheaton's Cosley Zoo during its annual Festival of Lights and Tree Sale is a decades-long tradition for some families.

“We see people come back every year,” zoo Director Sue Wahlgren said. “It's something we started in 1984.”

They come back to see the light displays, some animated, of animals and winter scenes. They return to see the wildlife and farm animals who make the zoo their home. And they visit to pick out a tree from the large stock of evergreens the zoo has delivered each year.

The tree sale and the Festival of Lights opens for business Friday, Nov. 23, and continues through Dec. 30.

Several tree varieties are available in sizes that range from 3 to 12 feet tall. There are Canaan firs, which are similar to balsam firs, Douglas firs and Fraser firs, the most popular.

“More than half the trees we sell are Fraser firs. They have an excellent scent and they hold up well,” Wahlgren said.

Prices range from $31 to $195, with most falling in the $40 to $70 range.

While it may be tough after sunset for visitors to see the native wildlife that lives outdoors in the zoo, a menagerie that includes coyotes, hawks, owls and deer, the farm animals that are housed in the lighted barn will be available for visits.

The outdoor light displays will pay homage to the great blue heron, the butterfly and the pelican. Wahlgren said there is even a brontosaurus light display.

“We have a new coyote figure this year that's animated,” she said.

On three Saturdays — Nov. 24, Dec. 1 and Dec. 8 — the festival will present Santa's craft corner from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the barn, where participants can enjoy refreshments and make a craft project for a $5 per family donation. Wahlgren said photos with Santa will be available for purchase and visitors also can take their own pictures.

Inside the gift shop, a tree is available where visitors can donate for enrichment supplies for the zoo's animals.

Wahlgren said the zoo, owned by the Wheaton Park District, welcomes 170,000 visitors and serves 94,000 people with programs each year.

The Festival of Lights and Tree Sale is sponsored by the Cosley Foundation, which helps cover the cost of the trees, she said. Net profits benefit the zoo's programs and efforts to educate people about animals and environmental issues, promote conservation and fund capital improvement projects.

Wahlgren said plans call for an expanded parking area and the renovation of the learning center barn.

During the festival, the zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The lights are turned on at 3 p.m. The zoo is closed Christmas and New Year's days, but is open from 9 a.m. to noon on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.

While admission is free, donations are accepted.

Festival of Lights and Tree Sale

<b>Where:</b> Cosley Zoo, 1356 N. Gary Ave., Wheaton

<b>When:</b> 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily Nov. 23 to Dec. 30; closed Christmas Day and New Year's Day; open 9 a.m. to noon Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. Lights turned on at 3 p.m. daily

<b>Admission:</b> Free; donations accepted

<b>Info:</b> <a href="http://www.cosleyzoo.org">www.cosleyzoo.org</a> and (630) 665-5534