Many thousands of colorful, environmentally friendly LED lights provide a beautiful backdrop for a unique family experience this holiday season at the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary.

Wild Nights & Holidays Lights kicks off at 6 p.m. Thursday, December 2 at the Zoo Sanctuary. Animal exhibits and pedestrian walkways will be ablaze with holiday lights. Visitors will also enjoy an enchanted forest of more than 60 lighted trees, holiday carolers, animal presentations, seasonal drinks, Santa Claus and Santa “Claws”. The miniature live steam “Starlight Express” train will offer family rides in the park adjacent to the zoo.

“City staff and community volunteers have created a wonderful opportunity for families to celebrate the magic of the season while supporting our amazing zoo animals,” says Robert Goss, Folsom’s Parks and Recreation Director. “All proceeds benefit the Zoo Sanctuary.”

The new event will continue from 6 to 9 p.m. on December 4, 9-11 and 16-23. Admission is $5 for ages 13 and older, $4 for children two to 12 and seniors 55 plus. Children under two years are free. Train tickets are $3 per person. The Folsom Zoo Sanctuary is located in City Lions Park on Stafford Street (behind the Folsom Public Library). Visit www.folsom.ca.us or call (916) 355-7285 to learn more.

The Zoo Sanctuary, which opened in 1963, provides sanctuary to animals that were injured or orphaned in the wild, or raised and rejected as wild pets. Currently, more than 80 animals, including tigers, bears, sheep, deer, monkeys, foxes and wolves, reside at the Zoo Sanctuary.