Published on September 15, 2025
Every winter, nan Bronx Zoo transforms into a dazzling wonderland arsenic Holiday Lights returns to enchant visitors of each ages. This much-loved seasonal ceremony has go 1 of New York City’s astir cherished traditions, filling nan parkland pinch glowing lanterns, twinkling lights, and festive attractions that blend nan magic of nan holidays pinch a heavy appreciation for wildlife.
Running connected prime evenings from November 21 done January 4, nan arena offers an immersive acquisition wherever families and friends tin gather, explore, and create cherished memories. From imaginative ray displays to interactive activities, each constituent of nan ceremony is designed to seizure nan warmth and excitement of nan vacation season.
A Dazzling Winter Transformation
As twilight falls, millions of sparkling lights illuminate nan zoo, guiding visitors done an bonzer travel crossed themed wildlife trails and glowing landscapes. More than 400 handcrafted lanterns, depicting astir 100 type of animals and plants, observe nan diverseness of life while highlighting nan value of world conservation. This twinkling spectacle not only delights nan oculus but besides connects guests to nan beauty of nan earthy world.
New Experiences for nan Season
This year’s expanded festivities present nan Freeze Zone, an area filled pinch frosty adventures and family fun. Guests tin title down elephantine snowfall conduit slides, airs connected a majestic illuminated crystal throne, and bask whimsical encounters pinch animated snowmen. A playful snowball wall provides an interactive twist, allowing families to prosecute successful a safe and spirited virtual snowball toss.
The Enchanted Sea besides makes a return pinch caller surprises, bringing underwater magic to life done oversized puppetry, interactive storytelling, and hands-on play. This imaginative attraction immerses visitors successful a lively marine world wherever productivity and wonderment travel freely.
Immersive Wildlife Lantern Trails
Guests tin research six lantern-lit pathways, each inspired by a unsocial geographical theme. From glowing African plains to icy Arctic realms, these trails showcase nan vibrancy of world habitats. The Forest of Color, bursting pinch sparkling plants and fauna, adds an other furniture of enchantment. Together, these illuminated journeys observe biodiversity while inspiring curiosity astir nan earthy world.
Festive Highlights Throughout nan Zoo
The vacation cheer extends beyond nan lantern trails. Visitors tin marvel astatine a towering Christmas character that shines pinch choreographed lights and music, watch skilled artists carve dazzling sculptures during nightly ice-carving demonstrations, and bask family-friendly intermezo astatine nan Wildlife Theater. Children will emotion hopping aboard nan vacation train and gathering larger-than-life puppets successful playful performances.
Festive nutrient and portion options adhd to nan seasonal charm, pinch opportunities to roast s’mores complete unfastened flames, sip lukewarm vacation beverages, and bask cozy treats that heighten nan wintry atmosphere.
Event Schedule and Entry
Holiday Lights runs connected selected nights passim precocious November, December, and early January. Guests arriving earlier 4:30pm tin research daytime animal exhibits earlier nan parkland transitions into a sparkling nighttime wonderland. The Bug Carousel, gift shops, and on-site eating stay unfastened passim nan evening to information retired nan experience.
Ticketing and Membership Perks
Advance reservations are required, pinch summons prices starting astatine $26.95 for children and $41.95 for adults. Flexible “Any Night” passes are besides available, offering convenience during nan engaged vacation season. Members of nan zoo’s conservation programs person important benefits, including discounted admission, free preview nights, and exclusive access. These memberships not only heighten nan visitant acquisition but besides support captious wildlife conservation projects worldwide.
A Celebration of Joy and Conservation
Holiday Lights astatine nan Bronx Zoo is much than conscionable a seasonal attraction. It is simply a ceremony of togetherness, creativity, and nan earthy world. With glowing lanterns, immersive trails, and caller interactive experiences, nan arena captures nan bosom of nan holidays while reminding visitors of nan value of protecting wildlife and nan environment.
This year’s version promises unforgettable nights filled pinch light, laughter, and inspiration—a existent New York vacation contented that continues to turn brighter each season.