Illuminature Holiday Spectacular

There were a few things I wanted to do during this 2023 holiday season. I wanted to go to Solvang and Frostys Once a Year Pop-Up Christmas Bar in Hollywood, but due to scheduling conflicts with my husband and an injury that is slowly healing, I did not get to go. However, I did check off local Christmas events such as Candy Cane Lane, Miracle at Modernist and now Illuminature, Fresno Chaffee Zoo's Holiday Spectacular. They have two time slots 5-7 and 7-9. However, if you go at 5, they don't check if you have not left by 7. In addition, if you go around 6 for the 7-9, they will still let you in. It is about $20 per person so not super cheap, but if you are a member, you can get a discount. 3/5- Entrance- There is a welcoming Christmas tree in the front adorned with lanterns as ornaments that says hi in different languages. However, heading in near ticket booth was blah. They should decorate the line dividers more. Also, gift shop should sell more Illuminature items like ornaments. We did get to have a shot of Captain Morgan with our hot cocoa because when in Rome! 5/5- African Exhibit. If you want to start off with the best area, go to the African Exhibit. I was amazed at every turn. All of the decorated exhibits are as mentioned in the name spectacular. The inflatable lantern pathway makes you feel like you are at Disneyland. The ornament light tunnel is amazing. The butterfly garden and Illuminating butterflies are gorgeous. Tons of Amazing statement pieces, 2 beautiful pathways of lights and my most favorite thing, the gigantic inflatable carousel snowglobe with a bow on top. Santas everywhere and that's where Santa's workshop is for Santa photos. We came after Christmas so Santa went back to the north pole. I honestly wish I had more time to take in everything since we did not get to this exhibit until 8pm. 1/5- Kingdoms of Asia-This holiday exhibit was so boring. Honestly, skip it and go enjoy African Exhibit. I hope they do more with the decorations here next year. It had lights of tigers and that was about it. The flamingos right before the entrance were pretty. I could have cared less if I missed the lights here. 3/5- Sea Lion Cove- Decorated beautifully with illiminated coral reefs, clams, seashells and fish, reminded me of Finding Nemo at Disneyland, but again, I spent too much time here and wish I had more time at African Exhibit. 5/5- The moving illuminated Chinese Peonies wall was spectacular as well as the flower fairies. 3/5- The only animals we saw were 2 real reindeers which if you have children, they will love and the reptiles. Other honorable mentions structures- Illuminated peacocks that wings move up and down, illuminated parrots that repeat what you say and smoky bubbles. There are more that I did not mention. Pictures and videos do not do this event justice. If you can't make it every year, it's definitely a must see once if you live in Fresno!

Second time visiting, but it was the first time taking my boyfriend. This year, it was even more magical than last, and the quality of the lights and the number of areas to see were greatly expanded. The staff was so sweet and friendly. The price was pretty good at $16 per person. They were selling hot chocolate and churros; although a bit overpriced. We were so happy as we were able to enter the reptile room. We also got to see some birds called Crested Screamer, which were so cute. We got lucky enough to see two red wolves playing. We also got to see a large crocodile. There were also flamingos. The lights were so beautiful and made it romantic for my boyfriend and I. We liked it more than Christmas tree lane and will likely be returning next year.