At our house, it’s never too soon to start thinking about Christmas.

The folks at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden feel the same way. The zoo's Lights Before Christmas opens Nov. 19, lighting up the night with nearly a million twinkling lights.

If you've never visited the zoo lights, be sure to put in on your calendar this year. And you'll have plenty of opportunities to visit; the zoo lights up each evening from 6-9 p.m. from Nov. 19 until Dec. 30. It's closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas.

Stroll around the zoo at night and check out the dozens of displays. You can even sip hot cocoa, toast marshmallows and visit Santa (who will be at the zoo each night through Dec. 23).

Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for children ages 3-12. It’s free for kids 2 and younger. Guests are encouraged to buy their tickets online in advance at www.riverbanks.org. The cost increases $2 for any tickets purchased at the gate after 5 p.m. All Riverbanks members receive one free visit when they show their membership card and picture ID at the gate.