BY DEBBIE PAGE
Zootastic Park’s “Wonderland of Lights” display, a Troutman-area tradition, is back for its 16th season. New this year is the optional Safari Drive-Thru Trail, featuring over 500 animals along a beautifully lit holiday trail.
Owner Scottie Brown said Zootastic boasts the largest light display in the Carolinas, with 5 million lights brightening the night and bringing holiday cheer to all ages.
The idea of starting the light display came from the need to create another revenue stream for the winter months to cover the costs of caring for the animals.
“Zoos have a hard time in the winter. The Christmas light show helps us feed the animals and pay the employees,” said Brown.
The light display has expanded over the years from its original two miles to six miles with the addition of the Safari Trail, which cost Brown $500,000 to build. The staff is already working to expand the trail to two lanes to enhance the driving and viewing experience.
So far, 95 percent of attendees have added the Safari Trail experience to their evening, and Brown said “the feedback has been phenomenal. People are loving it.”
Buffalo, zebras, camels, “reindeer,” elk, antelope, ostriches, emus, and rheas are among the animals along the trail.
Brown said the cars move along well for an enjoyable viewing experience. At the trail’s end, attendees can enjoy a stop at the zoo facilities as well.
Inside the Zootastic entry area, illuminated by a digital light display and music, folks can enjoy the huge Christmas tree and warm themselves by the fire place, purchase treats and hot beverages, and browse the zoo’s gift shop before strolling the grounds.
Other amenities include the s’mores fire pit, food vendors, miniature train, and the merry-go-round.
Visitors can also enjoy viewing or interacting with a variety of animals, including kangaroos, sheep, giraffes, llamas, and camels or schedule an optional animal encounter experience.
Over Zootastic’s existence, Brown has invested $6 million in the infrastructure and grown the park from its original 25 acres to 190 acres.
EXHIBIT HOURS/ADMISSION
The holiday exhibit is open nightly from 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 6 to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday through January 1 (including Christmas Eve and evening and New Year’s Eve).
Admission remains $10 per person, ages 2 and up, and includes the light show, exploring the zoo, and a visit with Santa. The Safari Trail is an additional $5 per person.
LEARN MORE
Zootastic Park is located at 448 Pilch Road in Troutman. Call (704) 245-6446 for more information or visit https://www.zootasticpark.com/.