A six-night Christmas celebration will be presented at the Abilene Zoo Friday, Dec. 18 through Wednesday, Dec. 23. From 4-10 p.m. each day, visitors to the zoo will be able to explore lighted Christmas displays, meet with Santa and his reindeer and enjoy live Christmas music. Ice skating will begin each half hour. General admission is $15 for non-members and $7 for members. Admission is free for children ages 2 and younger. For more information and to register, go to www.abilenezoo.org 

The following information is from the zoo website:

You’re invited to wander through magical light displays and merry experiences such as Caribbean Christmas, Fire & Ice, the Nutcracker, Lone Star Christmas, Santa’s Reindeer Stables, and Enchanted Elm, transporting guests into a wild winter wonderland. Supporting the community’s health and safety, the Abilene Zoo is implementing procedures and protocols following guidance for outdoor open-air events by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the state of Texas.

“We are thrilled to bring a Christmas Celebration powered by Reliant to West Texas,” said Jesse Pottebaum, Abilene Zoo Director. “This year the entire zoo grounds will be filled with magical lights and Christmas experiences such as Santa and his reindeer, an ice sculpture show, s’mores, hot chocolate, and hot toddies for the adults, and so much more. We’re so grateful that Reliant is joining forces with us on Abilene’s new Christmas tradition.”

• Designed as an event for all ages, Christmas Celebration powered by Reliant features:
• Nightly Christmas tree lighting at 6 p.m. by Big Country celebrities
• Meet Santa’s reindeer and make magical reindeer food for Christmas Eve
• An 85-foot Tunnel of Lights featuring over 25,000 lights
• Ice skating with snowfall every half hour
• Live Christmas music throughout the night
• Mrs. Claus’ Texas Bakery by H-E-B with cookie decorating
• Fire & Ice by Parkhill featuring a professional ice sculpture show
• A live nativity experience by Beltway Park Church
• Tasty winter treats including s’mores, hot chocolate, and holiday crafted adult beverages such as Hot Toddies“