Southwick Zoo’s popular Festival of Illumination is back for a four-month run, bigger and better than ever.

Belinda Mazur, marketing manager for the Festival of Illumination, said this year’s theme is “Once Upon a Time.” The event began September 1st and continues through December 31st from 5:30 to 10:00 p.m.

Working again with the award-winning Zigong Lantern Group, the Festival of Illumination will offer zoo visitors a look at extraordinary Chinese lanterns utilized in larger-than-life exhibits to showcase myths, legends and fairytales from around the globe.

There is also a new twist for 2022 that will add an exciting component to the production. There will be live entertainment, Chinese acrobats, an Asian marketplace, interactive exhibits, specialty foods, and more.

Then on November 26th zoo patrons will be able to enjoy Southwick’s traditional Winter Wonderland holiday lights in combination with holiday-themed Chinese lanterns.

Ms. Mazur recommends that those planning to take in the Festival of Illumination purchase their tickets in advance. This can be done at www.festivalofillumination.com or www.southwickszoo.com.