One of Alabama’s favorite holiday traditions is located in Birmingham, attracting more than 31,000 attendees each year.

ZooLight Safari presented by Wells Fargo returns to the Birmingham Zoo Friday from 5-9 p.m.

The annual holiday attraction has operated since 1993. It will be open nightly from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 4-6, 11-13, 17-23 and 26-31.

More than one million lights will transform the zoo into a winter wonderland as visitors can enjoy trails of lights, holiday music and many attractions.

Admission is free every night of the event for Birmingham Zoo members and $8 for non-members.

“ZooLight Safari is a great way for visitors to experience the zoo in a new way while creating memories to last a lifetime,” said Clark Maxwell, marketing associate with the Birmingham Zoo.

The zoo will host a nightly tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. in the zoo’s Trails of Africa area with a nearly 30-foot illuminated tree. Visitors can enjoy a spin on the Jingle Bell Carousel, ride the Candy Cane Train and check out Santa’s Roller Racers. The Yuletide Slide located near the primate building is an exhilarating inner tube ride that features a 100-foot drop.

For the first time, visitors can enjoy the Glacier Glide Ice Skate, also located in Trails of Africa. The ice rink is made of synthetic ice. Skating is an additional $1.50 for ice skate rental, or guests can bring their own skates.

Photos with Santa will be available each night of ZooLight Safari until Dec. 23.

Some attractions require tickets. Individual attraction tickets are $3.50, or visitors can take advantage of the zoo’s best value by purchasing an Unlimited Attraction Wristband for $12.

The zoo will close at 4 p.m. on each day for ZooLight Safari presented by Wells Fargo. Animal exhibits will  be closed during the event.

The zoo’s Membership Drive is going on now until Dec. 31. Those who purchase a family membership and above will receive a Fun Adventures coupon book that includes over $200 of savings for an entire year. All Birmingham Zoo members get in free to ZooLight Safari.

For more information about ZooLight Safari, visit www.birminghamzoo.com.