Zoominescence is back at Edmonton Valley Zoo in support of the Valley Zoo Development Society. This year is the largest display of lights I’ve seen over the years. The annual event brings together local Edmonton artists with various lit art projects in a place where you can visit the animals at night when the zoo is usually closed.

Fire dancers is a popular show at Zoominescence.

Pro-tip: Be sure to download the Edmonton Valley Zoo app before you go. This app will show you all the attractions at Zoominescence, brief overview of the animals, and other useful information.

There are various things to do outdoors besides the lights of course, such as the fire dancers and animal talks. There’s also the indoor hot chocolate shack to warm up after you have a skate (bring your own skates). At the Saito Centre you can have some snacks make some crafts and check out the red pandas which have been temporarily moved here as their new habitat is under construction.

Red pandas in temporary habitat at Saito Centre.

One of the displays this year is what we’d like to call Across the Zooniverse (actually named Balls in Bax) it’s a multicolored light display that you can interact with by walking through, laying underneath, or taking selfies with.

Balls in Bax by Roy & VZDS.

An addition of food truck alley will save time. Instead of heading out for dinner, you can head straight into the action and eat on site to support local businesses. There are at least 5 food trucks to choose from, including Beaver Tails for dessert!

5 local food trucks to choose from in Food Truck Alley.

Another new display this year is a light projection project where visitors can manually turn a year to project a lite carousel displaying various animals.

Carousel of Light by Randall Fraser.

There’s a nod to other winter festivals as you explore the site. We’ll let you find the display for Boardwalk Ice on Whyte, Flying Canoe, and Silver Skate Festivals.

What’s most exciting is that while you are still at the zoo you can take a sneak peek at the new exhibits about to be open. This includes the new red panda exhibit as well as the new urban farm and restaurant.

New Urban Farm development about to open at Edmonton Valley Zoo.

Admission to Zoominescence is only $8.50+tax for adults or $6+tax for kids. The light show opens weekend evenings in December as well as December 26th and 27th. Tickets are available online or at the gate. It’s a great family or a couples night out.





