For information on submitting an obituary, please contact Reading Eagle by phone at 610-371-5018, or email at obituaries@readingeagle.com or fax at 610-371-5193.
Most obituaries published in the Reading Eagle are submitted through funeral homes and cremation services, but we will accept submissions from families. Obituaries can be emailed to obituaries@readingeagle.com.
In addition to the text of the obituary, any photographs that you wish to include can be attached to this email. Please put the text of the obituary in a Word document, a Google document or in the body of the email. The Reading Eagle also requires a way to verify the death, so please include either the phone number of the funeral home or cremation service that is in charge of the deceased’s care or a photo of his/her death certificate. We also request that your full name, phone number and address are all included in this email.
All payments by families must be made with a credit card. We will send a proof of the completed obituary before we require payment. The obituary cannot run, however, until we receive payment in full.
Obituaries can be submitted for any future date, but they must be received no later than 3:00 p.m. the day prior to its running for it to be published.
Please call the obituary desk, at 610-371-5018, for information on pricing.
Like a few animals mixed in with your holiday excitement?
The Elmwood Park and Philadelphia zoos are bringing out millions of lights and so much holiday cheer even Scrooge would get excited.
Wild Lights presented by Danella, the seasonal spectacular at Elmwood Park Zoo, 1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown, runs on select nights through Dec. 30, transforming the zoo grounds into a winter wonderland filled with millions of twinkling lights, illuminated animals and festive cheer for the whole family.
For tickets and schedule information, check out https://elmwoodparkzoo.org.
“This event has become a cherished family tradition for so many in our community,” said Al Zone, executive director and CEO of Elmwood Park Zoo. “Each year we aim to make Wild Lights even more magical, and this season we’re pulling out all the stops with more lights, more animals, and more ways to celebrate together.”
Guests will stroll through a glowing landscape of color and creativity, with more lights and new decorative attractions.
The famous towering holiday tree at the entrance sets the stage for an evening of wonder and holiday spirit.
New and returning highlights Include:
• Millions of Lights on Display: Experience a breathtaking journey through the zoo’s illuminated pathways, filled with animal-shaped displays and five sparkling light tunnels that immerse guests in shimmering color.
• *New* Christmas Cows presented by KeyBank: Get up close with the zoo’s brand new adorable mini Highland cows in a special meet-and-greet area — a perfect photo opportunity for animal lovers of all ages.
• Animal Meet & Greets: Meet some of the zoo’s incredible ambassador animals up close.
• Carousel Rides: Take a spin on the Zoo Carousel, beautifully decorated for the season and open throughout Wild Lights.
• ZooBrew: Celebrate the season with specialty Tito’s holiday cocktails and seasonal beverages, available nightly.
• Santa’s Workshop presented by Atlantis Tile & Marble: Capture holiday memories with a visit from Santa Claus, available for festive family photos.
• Cookies with Mrs. Claus presented by Bredenbeck’s Bakery: Enjoy a cozy cookie break and storytime with Mrs. Claus, including interactive cookie decorating.
• Live Entertainment: Delight in music, performances, and surprise appearances.
• Dog Nights: Don’t forget to bring your furry family member along for your adventure at Wild Lights — available every Sunday night. Share the experience with your dog, who can even pose for a photo with Santa.
Guests are encouraged to dress for the weather and plan for an evening of exploration, photo opportunities, and festive fun.
Elmwood Park Zoo’s animal habitats will be illuminated throughout the park, offering a rare chance to see the zoo come alive at night.
Luminature at the Philadelphia Zoo
The lights, animals and special treats throughout the Philadelphia Zoo (3400 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia) during the annual Luminature has a new exhibit sure to add a wow factor.
This year features the opening of the Philly Zoo Pherris Wheel, a 110-foot observation wheel with breathtaking scenes of the more than a million twinkling lights that will fill the zoo and sights of the city skyline.
“Winter at the zoo is different and still a wonderful time to visit,” said Philadelphia Zoo President & CEO Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman. “This light show is designed for guests of all ages to connect with animals, each other, and the beauty of our planet during the holiday season. We’re really excited to have the addition of the Philly Zoo Pherris Wheel, which will stay at the Zoo through the 250th celebrations in 2026.”
This is the first time in the zoo’s 150-year history it added a Ferris wheel on its campus. Each gondola can fit up to six guests and the ride lasts about seven minutes.
Tickets prices vary by visit date and zoo members get a discount. Tickets can be purchased in advance or onsite. The Philly Pherris Wheel is located just past the Zoo’s Main Entrance and is open during both LumiNature nighttime hours and zoo daytime hours.
For more information, tickets and schedules: www.philadelphiazoo.org.
“Philadelphia Zoo is a place where transformative memories are made when families and friends connect with wildlife,” said PNC Philadelphia Regional President Joe Meterchick. “LumiNature has become a true Philadelphia tradition and one of the most spectacular winter light shows in our area. We especially look forward to seeing the newest view from more than 100 feet up in the air this holiday season.”
New for this year are Santa’s Lodge, a cozy indoor space with the chance to say hello to the big man himself, and Jambi’s Solstice Saloon, the perfect spot to chill along the beaming river.
Favorite returning illuminated displays include the high-energy Penguin Prismatic show with a 40-foot penguin shining with 40,000 lights and the famous 25-foot pink flamingo tree, made entirely out of 1,500 lawn ornament flamingos.
