ZooBoo at the Indianapolis Zoo, Oct. 4-28 @indianapoliszoo

ZooBoo at the Indianapolis Zoo. Photo provided by the zoo and used with written permission.

By Carla Knapp
Indianapolis Zoo

INDIANAPOLIS — Beloved fall traditions and newer family favorites come together for a Halloween celebration like no other as ZooBoo presented by Central Indiana Honda Dealers returns to the Indianapolis Zoo, 1200 West Washington Stree, Indianapolis, Indiana.

Now in its 37^th year, ZooBoo will run every Thursday through Sunday in October (Oct. 4-7, 11-14, 18-21, and 25-28, 2018), providing 16 days of active animals and spooktacular fun. The Zoo will open daily at 9am, and guests are encouraged to come early then stay to enjoy activities from 2-7pm.

Back again this year, the wildly popular Pumpkin Town presented by Macy’s provided an array of whimsical new experiences when it opened in 2017. Visitors will find their favorite activities along with a few extra surprises under the canopy of pumpkins in the Bicentennial Pavilion.

Little ghouls and goblins can create popcorn “potions” alongside the witch of Pumpkin Town, who loves to foster black cats. Other not-so-scary critters, including toads, turtles and rats, can be found inside Jack’s Barn presented by State Farm. A mirror maze will hide thrills around every twist and turn while Pumpkin School presented by Whole Foods Market will provide crafty lessons in laughs. Pumpkin Bowling is a returning favorite, and new this year, guests can try to guess the weight of the giant pumpkin for a chance to win an Animal Art Adventure.

Farther into the Zoo, Broomstick Alley will offer a familiar challenge in a new location. Near the Plains entrance, guests can use a broom to maneuver a jack o’ lantern ball through the extended obstacle course. The Zoo’s rides also feature a Halloween twist, like the Spooktacular Train Ride and the Round-Go-Merry — the carousel that runs in reverse.

Youngsters are encouraged to wear costumes and bring a reusable bag to gather goodies along the Trick-or-Treat Trail presented by Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St. Vincent. Five stations scattered through Plains will provide conservation-conscious snacks that contain only certified sustainable palm oil. Allergy-friendly options are also available upon request.

Speckled with colorful fall foliage, the Zoo’s exhibits provide the perfect backdrop for all the festivities, and many of the animals will take part in some Halloween fun, as well. The squash-splattering fun of the Elephant Pumpkin Smash presented by Sam’s Club is always a crowd favorite. Plus, visitors can enjoy extra chats and create Halloween-themed animal enrichment.

ZooBoo is free for Zoo members and included with regular admission. Discount tickets are available at area Donatos and Indiana Members Credit Union locations.

For more information, visit https://www.indianapoliszoo.com/events/zooboo/, or call 317-630-2001.

Winterlights at Newfields Opens Nov. 18 @newfieldstoday

Part of the beautiful Winterlights Holiday Light Show at Newfields last year.
AroundIndy.com staff photo, (c) 2017, all rights reserved.

By Mattie Lindner
Newfields

Following a tremendously successful first season, Winterlights returns this holiday season from Nov. 18, 2018 through Jan. 6, 2019 at Newfields, 4000 Michigan Road, Indianapolis, Indiana.

This year’s curated outdoor lights experience is presented by Bank of America and features more than 1.5 million lights shinning upon you and your guests, a new Wintermarket and a transformed finale.

Last year, Winterlights debuted in The Garden at Newfields and welcomed nearly 70,000 guests to experience the magic of the season, thousands of whom were first time visitors.

More than 40 couples got engaged, creating a lifetime of memories and traditions for new families during Winterlights. Because of its commitment to the community, Bank of America is thrilled to help bring Winterlights to life this year.

“Newfields provides a spectacular lights display and venue for families and friends to explore and celebrate the magic of the holiday season,” said Andy Crask, Indianapolis Market President, Bank of America. “Bank of America recognizes that the Winterlights experience is a wonderful opportunity to not only shine a light on Indianapolis but also to help support cultural experiences that have a positive impact on our community.”

New this year, guests are invited to start and end their Winterlights journey inside a glowing Wintermarket, a toasty place for a treat and the first stop for a warm cup of hot chocolate or apple cider—with spiked options available for adults.

Inside the market, local artisans like Goose the Market, Gallery Pastry Shop and Sun King Brewing Co. will be selling popular food and beverage options, as well as unique holiday gifts and goodies for everyone on your list.

Guests can also purchase this year’s exclusive brew crafted by Sun King Brewing Co. and only available for purchase at Winterlights. Love the taste? Take home a two-pack gift set in the Wintermarket on your way out.

Before heading to the lights, stop for a group photo in front of the giant towering poinsettia tree.

For the main attraction, guests of Winterlights will once again explore The Garden at Newfields and stroll beneath 80 foot-tall trees glowing to the tips of each tiny branch. With the addition of 300,000 more lights, this year’s display features more than 1.5 million glowing lights.

The outdoor journey begins with Snowflake Bridge, where glistening handcrafted snowflakes illuminate the sky above and music draws guests across the historic span.

The Landscape of Light returns in front of the grand Lilly family mansion, where over 300,000 lights dance in many different colors to the Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker.

Guests are then welcomed inside the front door of the Lilly House to discover this year’s theme of sophisticated handcrafted design inspired by Mr. Lilly’s famed book collection.

The library will bring the magic inside with a dramatic display filled with hundreds of glowing LED candles. Other rooms in the home will be transformed by unexpected holiday installations like handmade origami butterflies soaring from the piano and a giant paperchain chandelier flowing onto the dining room table.

As guests continue their stroll through The Garden, the bright vibrant colors of the Whimsical Terrace will draw in visitors of all ages. Karl Unnasch’s whimsical 50-foot-tall tree of toys, Playtime in Indy, returns to The Garden and the toys will once be donated to families in need this season.

Warm your hands over wood burning fires, while listening to holiday music and making your own s’more provided by local Girl Scouts of Central Indiana. Last year, the Girl Scouts raised over $25,000 that helped send 160 girls to summer camp, who otherwise could not have attended.

To delight guests as they exit the experience, a new finale has been added to this year’s Winterlights. The Ice Storm Walk, will immerse guests into a whirling blizzard of light. A digital snowstorm will descend over you along a 400-foot promenade, enhanced by dramatic music and sound of winter. Along the path, guests will pass through the Ice Cave, a tunnel of light featuring more than 30,000 lights.

“We are thrilled that the community accepted our invitation to Winterlights last year, and made it part of their holiday celebration,” said Jonathan Wright, The Ruth Lilly Deputy Director for Horticulture and Natural Resources. “In hopes of delighting everyone again this season, the Newfields team has enhanced this year’s display with hand-crafted design and more lights to surprise guests around every turn.”

Due to enthusiastic crowds and sold out evenings, new ticket times have been added to expand capacity. This season, tickets will be available every half hour beginning at 5:00 p.m. with the experience concluding at 9:00 p.m.

Save 20 percent by purchasing your tickets online at DiscoverNewfields.org beginning Oct. 1. This year, guests can purchase a premium ticket, which includes 3-D holographic glasses that bring Winterlights to life, a complimentary drink ticket and a pass for BOGO general admission January 8–Valentine’s Day weekend. A deal you don’t want to miss.

Newfields members receive additional discounts and exclusive access to Winterlights at the member preview evenings on Nov. 16 and 17 for just $10. During Winterlights, the Access Pass is still available for $2 per qualified family member.

Find the perfect gift for everyone on your list at Newfields this holiday season. Give the gift of Winterlights to your family and friends with our new gift tickets, featuring large group orders of Winterlights tickets (minimum order of 15). Don’t miss Newfields’ annual Holiday Hullabaloo shopping event on Dec. 6, featuring trunk shows in The Museum & Garden Shop. Members receive a 20 percent discount all day long. Or, give the gift of Newfields all year long with an annual membership, which offers free general admission, discounts on programs, invitations to exclusive preview events and more.

During the run of Winterlights, The Garden, The Café and IMA Galleries at Newfields will close at 4 p.m. daily.

Seasonal music made possible by the generous support of Marianne Williams Tobias. Lead support for Winterlights is provided in part by JPMorgan Chase & Co., Klipsch Group, Inc., The Hagerman Group and RJE Business Interiors. Additional support provided by Marian Inc., Ann W. King, and Sycamore Advisors, LLC. In-kind support provided by Sunbelt Rentals, Celadon Trucking Services, Tway Lifting Products, and Airworx Construction Equipment.

* Winterlights will be open Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Want to be a part of the magic this holiday season?
Last year, volunteers donated over 4,000 hours to help bring Winterlights to life. Volunteer opportunities are available for individuals and large groups. Email volunteer@discovernewfields.org if interested.