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By Lauren Holstein
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The Bronx Zoo’s annual Holiday Lights Celebration transforms the zoo into a dazzling nighttime winter wonderland, offering a unique experience far different from a typical daytime visit. From November 22, 2024, through January 5, 2025, the zoo comes alive with hundreds of thousands of LED lights spread over 12 acres, inviting guests to explore the grounds after dark. This festive event, which runs until 9 PM, immerses visitors in a world of glowing animal lanterns, shimmering pathways, and larger-than-life light sculptures, creating a magical holiday atmosphere for all ages.
Unlike a regular zoo trip focusing on animal exhibits, the Holiday Lights Celebration emphasizes a visual and immersive experience. Families with young children can easily navigate the stroller-friendly paths as they explore the beautifully lit sections of the zoo. With festive music, interactive light displays, and seasonal treats like hot cocoa, the event brings together the perfect blend of nature, art, and holiday cheer, offering a rare opportunity to experience the zoo in a new and festive way.
The event is well-organized, with clear signage and interactive maps available for smartphones, making it easy to navigate and ensuring you don’t miss any highlights. Visitors can explore themed lantern trails featuring nearly 400 lanterns representing about 100 animal and plant species. Plan to spend 1–2 hours wandering through the illuminated zoo, though you might linger longer if you take the time to soak in all the activities and attractions.
One of the standout features of the Holiday Lights Celebration is how it takes visitors on a journey through different ecosystems. In 2024, the event will expand to include new displays representing New York’s ocean waters and wetlands and existing global habitats. Some of the themed lantern trails showcase African wildlife, while others highlight the rich biodiversity of Asia, Latin America, and North America. There's also a trail dedicated to the vibrant, colorful beauty of the natural world and an impressive ocean-themed display that brings marine creatures to life in light.
Beyond the lantern trails, several interactive experiences are designed to captivate visitors of all ages. The Enchanted Sea area features LED swings, ocean-themed interactive floor projections, and light panels that mimic the graceful movement of marine life. Over on Astor Court, a towering holiday tree dazzles with synchronized musical light performances, and the Light Tunnel includes animal-themed light shows. Returning for 2024 is the popular children’s ride, the Holiday Train, and ice carving demonstrations, where three skilled artists create intricate wildlife sculptures from giant ice blocks in a real-time competition.
Guests can also indulge in treats like roasted s’mores, churros, pretzels, popcorn, Dippin’ Dots, and hot cocoa. Don’t forget to pick up a festive gift from one of the shops to take home a keepsake from your magical night at the zoo.
Tickets must be reserved in advance, with adult ticket prices ranging from $41.95 to $46.95. For those seeking more flexibility, an open-ticket option is available for $56.95, allowing visits on any public event date. Discounted pricing is offered for seniors, children, and toddlers.
The Holiday Lights Celebration is rain or shine, so dress warmly and appropriately for the weather. For a more relaxed experience, consider visiting in January when crowds are thinner, giving you more space to enjoy the displays at your own pace. You can also cap off your night by heading to Arthur Avenue, a few blocks over, for a delicious holiday meal, making the evening even more memorable.
Will you be adding the Bronx Zoo’s Holiday Lights to your family’s holiday traditions this year?
