College Times

Media Credit: Courtesy Phoenix Zoo

Having trouble believing it’s the holiday season again already? Try surrounding yourself with 25,000 Christmas lights and see if you feel the same way. Phoenix ZooLights is all aglow once again, welcoming winter to the Valley in the style that it’s famous for – tons and tons of lights.

Each season staff prepares for the festivities over 12 weeks, stringing up lights.

In the nature of conservation that the Phoenix Zoo is so well known for, special Light-Emitting Diode (LED) bulbs are used to save as much energy as possible while still creating a brilliant light show.

Even if you have been to other similar events, you’re guaranteed a completely unique show since each and every display has been specially crafted for Zoolights only.

This year you can expect to see special features such as the ever popular Jengo the talking giraffe and other lifelike replicas of the Phoenix Zoo stars, including orangutans by the front door.

Each year, more than 250,000 visitors will enter the park, which has been rated in the top five for children’s zoos. But don’t think this event is only for kids; adults can have just as much fun checking out the lights as the kids.

Zoolights, Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkway, 602.273.1341, Thursday, November 27 through Sunday,

January 11, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. nightly, $7-$9

RECURRING EVENTS

Free Dance Lessons
Grab your cowboy hat and learn how to country line dance. Free lessons are offered three nights a week, so you’ll be boot scootin’ in no time. Handlebar J, 7116 Becker Lane, Scottsdale, 480.948.0110, ongoing Sunday through Thursday, 7 p.m., free

College Night
One of the best perks about being in school: college night. Margarita Rocks offers 50-cent Coors Light drafts, 99-cent Jager Bombs and margaritas and 10-cent wings and penny tacos. Margarita Rocks, 410 S. Mill Avenue, Tempe, 480.968.3301, ongoing Thursdays, 8 p.m., call for cover

3-Some Thursdays
Cheap drink specials make Thursday awesome. Enjoy 50-cent beer and $3 Skky you-call-its all night. Ladies you can also take advantage of $2 shots. San Felipe’s Cantina, Tempe Marketplace, 2000 E. Rio Salado Parkway, Suite 101, Tempe, 480.736.8226, ongoing Thursdays, 9 p.m., call for cover

Galapagos Improv
So it might not be true that laughter cures all that ails, but it certainly doesn’t hurt. Get your laughs at the weekly Galapagos Improv presented by the Torch Theater. Space 55, 636 E. Pierce Street, Phoenix, 602.663.4032, ongoing Fridays, 10:30 p.m., $5

Ahwatukee Farmers Market
Buying local produce supports area farmers and ensures fresh food. You can check out this and other local foods and arts at the weekly farmers market. Ahwatukee Farmers Market, Warner Road just west of 48th Street, ongoing Sundays, 9:30 a.m., free

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