America’s Teaching Zoo will bring festive cheer at this year’s Arctic Lights event, featuring real snow, animals, arts and crafts and holiday lights, at the college.

At the event, also a fundraiser, guests can learn about animals through demonstrations and shows, purchase baked goods and view decorated lights. Proceeds from ticket sales will help fund Polar Bears International, a charity that helps save polar bears and educate people about them.

Mara Rodriguez, a zoo staff member, described the event as a fun time for the holidays.

“We let kids play in the snow, we put lights all over the zoo, it’s really fun,” said Rodriguez.

Along with the snow, guests can also expect animal shows and demonstrations happening throughout the weekend. The show times will be from 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. and animal demonstrations are held from 3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Guests at the zoo can also look forward to discovery stations to learn more about the animals at the zoo.

Each fundraiser the zoo hosts helps fund its animal care, feed and exhibits.

“All of the fundraising we do goes into our operating budget,” said Rodriguez.

The seasonal event will be held on Saturday, Dec. 19 through Sunday, Dec. 20 from 11 a.m to 7 p.m. at the America’s Teaching Zoo located at 7075 Campus Road.

Tickets are sold directly at the gate, $8 for adults and $6 for children between the ages of 2-12 and seniors 65 and over. Kids 2 and under are free.

For more information about Arctic Lights and America’s Teaching Zoo, please visit http://zoo.moorparkcollege.edu/events/ or call the zoo at (805)-378-1441