Holiday Lights Take a Walk on the Wild Side at the National Zoo

WASHINGTON, DC--(Marketwired - Dec 19, 2014) - Visitors to the National Zoo are accustomed to seeing exotic animals. But this month, there's a whole other beast stealing the spotlight. Known as ZooLights, the free event features more than 500,000 twinkling lights, musical performances, food and shopping. And guests of the Washington Marriott Wardman Park are within walking distance of it all.

There's a reason why ZooLights attracts thousands of visitors each holiday season. Actually, there are several reasons. In addition to the creative displays of environmentally-friendly, LED lights that depict everything from chimps to Christmas trees, guests will encounter trackless train rides, carousels outfitted with animal figurines in lieu of horses and Zoo-magination, where trains weave in and out of fantastical lands made of Legos, the alphabet and more. Plus the snowless, 150-foot "snow-tubing" tracks let visitors experience thrill of a bobsled ride, minus the chill.

Guests who stay at this Washington, D.C. hotel near the National Zoo often do so because of the animals, and ZooLights doesn't disappoint on that count either. Nocturnal creatures are on display in the Great Ape House, Reptile Discovery Center and more. And visitors only have to walk a few steps north to see them all.

Other entertainment includes live music every night and shopping at retail venues located throughout the park. And making sure guests stay fueled during their visits are concessions like hot chocolate, coffee, mulled cider, wine, beer, roasted nuts, s'mores and more.

In addition to the hotel's unbeatable location near the National Zoo Metro Stop, the property offers exceptional amenities even among other Woodley Park hotels. The pet-friendly accommodations feature three diverse restaurants, a 24-hour fitness center and a variety of guest rooms that include Concierge Level options, more than 100 suites and ADA-accessible rooms. Plus the property is close to more than just the National Zoo. The stunning natural beauty of Rock Creek Park, the colorful and quirky Adams Morgan and the exciting nightlife of Dupont Circle are all just minutes away as well.

About the Washington Marriott Wardman Park
Located in a leafy neighborhood of charming shops and restaurants, the Washington Marriott Wardman Park blends a genteel sensibility with expansive, state-of-the-art accommodations. Guests are treated to the same hospitality that has welcomed U.S. presidents and dignitaries with features like plush bedding, spa-like amenities, high-speed Internet access and flat-screen televisions in the more than 1,100 guest rooms and suites. Restaurants include Stone's Throw for steaks and seafood, Harry's Pub for English-inspired fare and Illy's Woodley Market for coffee and sandwiches. Unique among hotels in Washington, D.C. NW, the hotel offers an impressive 195,000 square feet of event space for productive conferences and spectacular social events. And the property's 16 acres of gardens make an inspired setting for both work and leisure.