Mushrooms. Photo courtesy Kelly Volz.
Krippendorf Lodge. Photo courtesy Andy Fix.
Great Horned Owl. Photo courtesy Kelly Volz.
Guests walk on the boardwalk. Photo courtesy Kelly Volz.
It’s the holiday season, and if you haven’t yet visited Cincinnati Nature Center’s Light in the Forest event, go soon, before the event closes on Dec. 30.
Once again, my family and I visited the Light in the Forest event during the preview night on Nov. 30, and the event was a perfect way to celebrate the holiday season, surrounded by nature, art, and community; I highly recommend attending!
Promotional materials for Cincinnati Nature Center’s Light in the Forest event read, “Join us for a celestial walk through the illuminated woods! Marvel at the many light displays and interactive activities as you stroll through the forest. There will be music, food trucks, drinks, and holiday shopping. Bring your friends and family to this seasonal tradition at our Rowe Woods location!”
Pamela Tierney, Corporate Relations and Event Manager at Cincinnati Nature Center, said that the team has made some changes this year, based on suggestions from a guest survey that was sent after Light in the Forest last year.
“More light artists, more interactive areas, and more food and drink options were some additions folks wanted to see. So, this year we have a craft zone for guests to write their New Year wishes on a colorful star to proudly display them on our nature wall,” Tierney explained. “We have a limited bar with beer, wine, and some holiday liquors for hot chocolate and coffee, and different food trucks each night. More musicians, shopping, a train display, a glow wall to draw on, and a bonfire in the cabin field round out the many places to stop on the mile-long trail.”
So far, the community response to the changes has been great.
“It has been so fun watching the guests interact with the light displays and feel a sense of wonder and excitement. At the same time, guests are enjoying the opportunity to slow down a bit and enjoy some time on the Krippendorf Lodge Terrace with their family and friends,” Tierney said. “We try to emphasize to our guests to take in all the sights and sounds of this peaceful walk through the winter forest.”
Tierney said that she hopes that Light in the Forest provides attendees with a unique experience.
“We want them to walk away with a feeling of peace and joy as they reflect on their experience here at Light in the Forest,” she said, noting, “This is not an event to race through! We want guests to slow down just as many things in nature do this time of year. Enjoy the fresh air, the peacefulness of winter, and the wonderful experience of being outdoors in nature at night.”
Light in the Forest takes place on select evenings through December 30 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Cincinnati Nature Center’s Rowe Woods location. Preregistration is required. Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.cincynature.org/things-to-do/light-in-the-forest/.