The event will run until Dec. 23. Co-owner Susan Landrum said after 40 years, the village has become a Christmas staple in the community.

There will be hundreds of lights and attractions for children and adults to enjoy. Zoo officials said they wanted this year's event to be fun for everyone.

The son of one of the victims of the horrific mass shooing in Charleston, South Carolina in 2015 presented an inspirational message of forgiveness to members of the Area Development Partnership Friday.