Potawatomi Zoo lights up “Gift of Lights” display for holidays

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SOUTH BEND, Ind. — The holiday season officially kicked off at the Potawatomi Zoo on Friday as thousands of lights illuminated the zoo’s holiday habitats for the first time this year.

Families gathered for opening night of Indiana Michigan Power’s annual Gift of Lights display with, enjoying festive train rides, hot chocolate, and appearances by Santa Claus.

“So, they’ve had these all the way back to the 60s, 70s, 80s. It’s a long tradition at the zoo to have holiday lights,

and we’re going to continue doing that,” said Kristina Barroso-Burrell, manager of marketing and communications at the zoo.

The holiday lights display will continue on weekends at the zoo through Dec. 28