Celebrate A Socially Distanced Holiday At Roger Williams Park Zoo
PROVIDENCE, RI — Starting Thursday night, Roger Williams Park Zoo will come to life after the sun goes down, lighting up the night.
No, this isn't the annual Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, instead a new holiday tradition in the making. Rhode Islanders young and old can celebrate the season while stay socially distanced in their cars during the new drive-through Holiday Lights Spectacular.
More than 1.5 million bulbs line the walkways of the zoo, taking the shape of snowmen, dinosaurs, butterflies — even Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. The new holiday event was made possible through a grant by Rhode Island Commerce’s HArT Recovery Grant Program. Zoo Director Jeremy Goodman said it will be here to stay in years to come in the form of a walkthrough similar to that of the jack-o-lanterns.
"Even after reopening our gates, we have felt the major financial strain of COVID-19," Goodman said. "Funds from this Holiday Lights Spectacular will not only help the Zoo get through the lean months of winter but provide support to local hotels as we venture through this rough time."
Goodman told Patch that the event gives the zoo an opportunity to partner with nearby hotels, who are offering ticket packages with reservations. It's a way to add to the magic of the holidays, he added, saying the glow from the lit up zoo is even visible as drivers pass on Interstate 95 North.
"As both a major tourism attraction and an education facility, the Roger Williams Park Zoo is an essential element of what makes Providence special," said Kristen Adamo, the president of the Providence Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau. "We hope that people will plan a vacation or staycation around the Holiday Lights Spectacular by booking hotel rooms, enjoying top restaurants, and finishing their holiday shopping here in the Providence and Warwick area."
The display will be open nightly from Thursday through Jan. 10, except Dec. 24 and 25. Tickets are available on the half-hour starting at 5 p.m. until 9:30 p.m., with gates closing at 10 p.m. All tickets must be purchased in advance, online, and will not be available at the gate. Tickets cost $25 per vehicle, or $20 for zoo members.
The event is open rain or shine. Refunds or rescheduled tickets will not be provided for inclement weather.
Rules for visitors are listed below.
No large commercial or oversized vehicles, motorcycles, open side vehicles or recreational devices (bicycles, scooters, skateboards, etc.)
No buses
Minivans and pickup trucks are allowed.
No honking
Maximum speed 2-3 mph.
No passing
Guests must stay in their vehicle the entire time
Tailgates, doors, and hatchbacks must be closed
Objects may not be thrown out of a vehicle’s window
Smoking and alcohol are not permitted within the zoo
This article originally appeared on the Cranston Patch
