Baby it’s cold(er) outside. Just in time for the Zoolight Safari at the Birmingham Zoo. I like Christmas, I like the holiday season and I really, REALLY like me some lights, which means I’m so going to the zoo like a dozen times starting tonight. And I can because it’s open 15 nights – December 14-23 and 26-30 from 5-9 p.m. Besides the half a million lights, there’s a light show with music, crafts for the kids at the Barn in the Children’s Zoo, Santa and snow. Snow? Yes, the zoo claims to be “the only place in Birmingham where it snows every night.” That I’ve got to see. And since I’m going to want to see it again and again, it’s a good thing I’m a member. Members get in free, so now is a great time to join and support your local zoo. Regular admission is $7 and everyone pays to ride the train.

Here’s some fine print: The zoo will be closing at 4 p.m. on Zoolight Safari days. Animal exhibits will be closed during the event.

If you would rather stay warm inside, head to the Young & Vann Building in downtown Birmingham (1731 1st Ave. North). That is where the Birmingham Museum of Art is hosting its Alabama Folk Art exhibit through December 30. Of course I’ve been meaning to go since the exhibit opened in February. Now that it’s almost over, I’ve got to go! I don’t want to miss it! From the BMA Web site:

“Jerry Brown, Thornton Dial, Lonnie Holley, Charlie Lucas, Nora Ezell, Mose Tolliver, Bill Traylor and the Quilters of Gee’s Bend are just a few of the renowned artists represented in this exhibition celebrating the rich history of folk art from Alabama.”

More fine print: The exhibit is open Tuesdays-Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost: Free

Editor’s note: Museum director Gail Andrews mentioned during yesterday’s ONB Breakfast Briefing that there’s a chance that the exhibit might go longer (into 2008) depending on the museum securing additional sponsorships. We’ll let you know, but don’t not go before 12.30 because of that! ACN
Just a few more days until Christmas. If you must brave the holiday traffic around the Galleria this weekend, Godspeed.

If you have better plans, please share…