Memory bank: Christmas at the Zoo

Pictured is the Indianapolis Zoo decorated in thousands of lights at Christmastime in 1984. In 1967, the zoo became the first in the nation to hold a holiday lights event. Since then, the tradition has continued to grow. This year, Christmas at the Zoo will celebrate its 54th anniversary. During the event, children can visit with Santa, decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus and see Santa’s sleigh and a few reindeer. Christmas at the Zoo lasts through Dec. 30. 

Sources: Indiana Historical Society, Indianapolis Zoo 

Credit: This image is courtesy of the Indiana Historical Society and is part of the Indianapolis Recorder collection. More images are available at images.indianahistory.org.