Now is a great time to pull out your monthly MetroCard and Google search a path to visit New York City’s Bronx Zoo for their annual Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights.

What should you expect? It’s the holidays so there will be a dazzling lights display that will cover and sparkle acres of the zoo. And how would you enjoy such festive lights? Visitors will be able to walk-through the zoo to experience wildlife-themed LED displays, custom Asian lanterns, animated light shows on the historic Astor Court and more.

And why did the staff at the Bronx Zoo create such a holiday extravaganza? Great question. John F. Calvelli, WCS executive vice president of public affairs, said this: “We are bringing an updated version of a beloved holiday tradition back to the Bronx Zoo for the first time since 2007. The LED lights, animal-themed lanterns, and animated light shows will be set amongst the historic buildings on an expanded footprint that will take people throughout the zoo. The LED technology will also allow us to be incredibly energy efficient. We believe our visitors will come away really enjoying this ‘green’ holiday experience!”

Festivities will include:

The Ice Jubilee at the Bronx Zoo Includes an Ice Bar, Ice Throne & Ice Slide (Dec. 21 to 31)–– Holiday revelers will be able to take festive photo ops on the ice throne, where ice kings and queens can take their seat on an oversized throne made completely of ice, as well as breaking out your inner penguin and slide down a 20-foot ice slide. Visitors can also grab a specialty cocktail at the zoo’s 12-foot ice bar which will be available for purchase during Holiday Lights operating hours.

Nightly Ice Carving Demonstrations (Ongoing)––Throughout Holiday Lights from 5 to 9 pm, professional ice carvers will debut their talents as they use chainsaws and chisels to carve holiday and animal-themed sculptures with a live audience. All finished sculptures will be on display throughout the Dancing Crane Plaza.

Ice Carving Competition––On Saturday, Dec. 28 from 6 to 9 pm, the zoo will take ice carving to the next level when five professional ice sculptures will create 20 sculptures in an elimination style “speed carving” format over a three-hour period. This format is ideal for spectators to witness carvings formed in less than 30 minutes before their eyes. The competition will be emceed by an experienced carver to entertain the crowd and provide fun facts, as well as facilitating spectator participation. Visitors can also get involved in the carving judging. The 20 new sculptures will be displayed for future viewing.

Carolers, Characters, Train Rides & Lantern Safari––Visitors will be able to enjoy classic and modern holiday tunes sung by Victorian-dressed live carolers throughout the zoo, as well as taking photos with some of the zoo’s seasonal characters including lions, giraffes, gorillas, penguins and a friendly snowman. Families can also take a journey “around the world” along a dedicated section of the park that will be illuminated by hand-created lantern sculptures, while also learning about the work WCS scientists are doing to help save various species. Train rides will also be available for the whole family at Astor Court.

Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights is sponsored by Con Edison.

Tickets for the Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights are priced at $29.95 for adults, $22.95 for children, and $28.95 for seniors. Hours for Holiday Lights will be 5 to 9 pm Sunday to Thursday, and 5 to 10 pm Friday and Saturday. Holiday Lights will be closed on December 24. The Bronx Zoo and Holiday Lights will be closed on December 25 and January 1.

For tickets and more information, visit www.BronxZoo.com.