So, the fun thing I mentioned at the end of yesterday’s post, was actually postponed due to the rain. Now, if that isn’t on brand for 2020, I don’t know what is. I’m sure you are all on pins and needles waiting to hear what the fun event was (cue the sarcasm), so I’ll go ahead and tell you. It was donor night for Zoo Lights at the Houston Zoo. I’m happy to report that it’s been rescheduled for a bit later this month, and I’m sure we will all enjoy it more when we aren’t drenched in rain.
Giving Tuesday Update
As an aside, in honor of Giving Tuesday, I decided to donate to The Jung Center here in Houston. My dear friend, Dr. Chaoul, founded the Mind Body Spirit Institute a couple of years ago. He has personally touched the lives of countless individuals who are battling cancer, who are caregivers for cancer patients – or who are faced with an immense amount of stress in the workplace. I think this type of education is so important now during these challenging times!
Houston Zoo Lights
Back to regular programming. Since I have your attention, I’ve done a couple of posts (here, here and here) about exploring your own backyard no matter where you live. It’s been a critical component of mine and Aaron’s lives since we started staying home a bit more this year. If you live in Houston, you need to head over to Houston Zoo Lights. It’s a tradition I look forward to each year, and this year, it’s COVID friendly. Special precautions they are taking (in addition to promoting social distancing) include asking people to select their preferred entrance time so it doesn’t get overcrowded during the course of the evening. This event runs through Jan. 10, 2021.
I’ve been going to Zoo Lights on and off since I first moved to Houston in 2011. And two years ago I joined the Houston Zoo’s young professionals group Flock, which helps support the zoo and gives you access to fun events throughout the year. I went with a group of my girlfriends last year for their donor night, and we had the best time.
The weather just turned a bit chilly, so we were in the holiday spirit. You walk in and are greeted by this massive Christmas tree. The event was open bar, so we started off with some red wine. Then, we hopped in the food line. I believe the food was provided by Beck’s Prime, which is always delicious. The whole time they have Christmas music playing throughout the zoo.
Then, we headed over the s’mores bar, where you could roast your marshmallows over the fire pits. It was super cute. Then, we headed to browse the light displays. They really do a phenomenal job at engaging both adults – and children.
They had a new display last year, where all of the animals were painted in these bright colors. My photo doesn’t do it justice, but it was so much fun to see up close and personal. It’s also really neat to see the animals out at night. Many of them are not out and about like they usually are during the day, but it’s fun to walk through to see a few of them. There are also interactive photo opportunities throughout. See below 🙂
But, my favorite thing they added last year was a bubble exhibit. You could see these huge bubbles floating as soon as you entered into the area. Kids and adults got in on the fun, myself included.
All this to say that I’m looking forward to going in a couple of weeks. If you live in Houston or are visiting someone in Houston for the holidays, I do encourage you to check out this event. They are requiring masks and social distancing, and you have to pre-purchase your tickets online to reserve your time slot. Happy Thursday!
