By Trish Svoboda/Images courtesy of Rolling Hills Zoo
This holiday season, Rolling Hills Zoo in Salina is hosting its second “Holiday Lights in the Museum” event, taking place every Friday and Saturday from November 28-December 20 from 4:30-8:30 pm. Linda Henderson, director of development and marketing, said what sets this light display apart from others is that this is the only all-indoor holiday light display in Kansas. “It’s truly unique. You don’t have to worry about what the weather is doing outside. You can come into the warmth and still enjoy a spectacular Christmas light display with all the music and the dancing lights and all of the exciting fun that takes place in the wildlife museum,” said Henderson.
Executive Director, Ryan VanZant, came up with the idea of a holiday light display in the museum, and after discussing it with the maintenance department, it all came together. Henderson said that this year they are continuing to build on what they created last year. Santa and Mrs. Claus will return, and they will have Santa’s kitchen, where this year they will be serving up chili and chili dogs complete with a topping bar. In addition, they will have cocoa for both children and adults, as well as Christmas cookies. One half of the conference center will be set up for dining where visitors can enjoy their cocoa and chili, and the other half will host an indoor snowball fight.
“Kids can throw all the snowballs and have so much fun doing snowball fights with each other and with their parents. Santa Claus might come in and join you on that one. And then there’s also giant Legos back there. With the Legos, you can build your own snow forts. Everyone can have a great time with never having to put on that winter coat and enjoy all of our winter fun festivities.”
Another exciting feature is a giant snow globe that guests can actually be a part of. “It takes a little bit of imagination, but it is absolutely gorgeous and memorizing,” said Henderson. They’ve also added a photo op in the Earl Baine Gallery where families and friends can take photos in front of four different displays.
Henderson said it was a challenge for crews to figure out the logistics of hanging the holiday lights where they could stay up year-round without being spotted outside of the holiday season. With that figured out, she said they will continue to add to it.
She offered tips for first-timers to get the full experience. “My first tip would be to come and plan to spend some time with us. Linger and enjoy as much as you want. Enjoy the photo ops, take time to go see Santa and Mrs. Claus and then go and enjoy a meal and just sit and relax and have a wonderful family evening. Create those special memories with your family and your friends. And of course, be sure to take time to enjoy that snowball fight. And then don’t forget to check out the Elephant Trunk gift shop. There are some great fun Christmas items and something for everyone in your family there. Especially if you’re looking for something unique.”
The event is free to attend, but those who would like are more than welcome to leave a donation. Henderson emphasized that they “didn’t want the price to prohibit any family from coming out and enjoying the festivities and creating some wonderful holiday memories.”
Visit Rolling Hills Zoo’s website for more information on Holiday Lights in the Museum and too keep up to date with other upcoming events and happenings.
