Select dates
November 21, 2026 — January 3, 2027
Exclusive Member Previews
November 19 & 20
Select dates
November 21, 2026 — January 3, 2027
Exclusive Member Previews November 19 & 20
Check the tickets page for available dates & time or book a Holiday Lights Any-Night ticket, and you'll have the option to visit when it works best for you.
New for 2026: Animals are a part of this year’s event!
Animals are at the heart of everything we do at the Bronx Zoo! NEW for 2026, we’re keeping the Children’s Zoo Farmyard open for Holiday Lights, our beloved holiday tradition. Enjoy a festive moment with donkeys, sheep, goats, alpacas, and more in this cozy, picture-perfect backdrop!
For more special animal moments and extra warm-up spots, we’re keeping the World of Darkness and World of Reptiles open too, so you can hang with a sloth and bask with lizards as part of your Bronx Zoo nighttime adventure.
For even more animal magic, your Holiday Lights tickets now offer a 2- in-1 experience! Arrive at 1 p.m. to spend time with your favorite animals, including snow leopards, tigers, and bears, and stay for the lights.
*Feeding animals in the Children’s Zoo starts at 3 p.m.
**Discount code can only be applied to Holiday Lights Signature and Any-Night tickets. Offer valid through 8/24/26. Discount code must be entered at the time of checkout. Discount cannot be combined with any other discount or promotions.
The Best of New York City’s Family Holiday Tradition
During Holiday Lights, the Bronx Zoo transforms into a magical, forested wonderland filled with stunning animal lanterns, enchanting moments, and festive delights! Each year, this celebratory nighttime experience draws families from across the tri-state area and beyond to connect and make precious memories together. With entertainment, delicious treats, and activities for everyone, Holiday Lights is packed with festive fun! This year, we’re adding an extra sprinkle of animal magic to the mix.
GET TICKETSWCS Member BenefitsA Celebration in Lights
Lantern Safaris
Travel through six immersive trails representing Africa, Asia, North America, Latin America, the Ocean, and the Forest of Color, and see hundreds of glorious animal lanterns depicting iconic animals from each region. Feel connected to the wildlife and wild places that WCS is working to protect around the world.
Iconic Light Displays
Perfect for incredible photo ops with friends and family.
Holiday Tree
At the heart of the zoo, our stunning holiday tree features synchronized animal-themed musical light performances.
Astor Court
Light Tunnels
Dazzling walk-through light tunnels throughout the zoo create perfect holiday photo backdrops.
Around the Park
More Holiday Lights fun!
Play with Light
Draw, touch, and dance with light at interactive glowing walls, shimmering flowers, and colored stepping stones. Send virtual holiday cards to WCS conservation staff worldwide.
Dancing Crane Plaza
Illuminated Performers
Amazing animal-themed illuminated characters amp up the atmosphere and add a fun, festive twist to family photo ops.
Astor Court
Holiday Train
All aboard! Take a joyful spin around Fountain Circle on the kids’ Holiday Train!
$4 ($3 Members, FREE for Conservation-level Members)
Fountain Circle
Freeze Zone
Take an exhilarating ride on a snowtube slide, throw virtual snowballs, and get a cool photo op in the interactive Freeze Zone!
Giraffe Corner
Ice Carving Demonstrations
Watch in awe as ice sculptors create works of wildlife art from giant blocks of ice!
Grizzly Corner
Wildlife Theater
Performers and puppets present you with family-friendly animal adventures and wildlife trivia.
Dancing Crane Pavilion
Holiday Treats & Drinks
Dial up the holiday cheer with cozy festive treats, including hot chocolate, warm apple cider, eggnog, cookies, peppermint bark, pumpkin pie, s’mores, and so much mores! Adults can warm things up by spiking their seasonal drink with Irish Cream, Kahlúa, Whiskey, or Rum.
Throughout the Zoo
Even more 2 for 1
Holiday Fun
Come for the animals, stay for the lights! Arrive at the zoo at 1pm, and your Holiday Lights tickets allow you to enjoy a few hours with your favorite animals before the lights go on and the park transforms!
Tickets are required and must be reserved in advance. Changes to activity availability may occur due to unforeseen conditions. Holiday Lights is a rain or shine event.
A Beloved Holiday Tradition Returns...
My grandson lights up as soon as he sees we are at the zoo. Holiday Lights has become a family tradition.”
Rubrix, Past Attendee
We’re delighted by how much there was to see. The performers, puppets, carousel, ice carving, s’mores, and style of the lanterns were all a surprise.”
Vee, Past Attendee
My son and I love Holiday Lights. Having a nice hot chocolate and immersing yourself is the best.”
Elsie, Past Attendee
My kids enjoyed it so much that we attended Holiday Lights twice, and they had fun both times. It kept them engaged during both visits.”
Gowan, Past Attendee
Exclusive WCS Members’ Benefits
Member reservationsTickets are required and must be reserved in advance.
Free admission to Member preview nights is based on availability.
WCS ZOO AND LAND & SEA MEMBER
Two exclusive preview days: November 19–20
25% tickets to all event days
IDNYC and Aquarium Members
25% tickets to all event days
Conservation level Members
Reserve FREE TICKETS to Holiday Lights throughout the celebration
Free admission to Holiday Lights is based on availability.
Join as a Conservation-level Member now for FREE access to Holiday Lights!
Become a Conservation Member Now
To upgrade your existing membership, call us at 718-220-5112 from 9 am to 5 pm daily!
Check out Members FAQs for more details.
Presenting Sponsor
Suporting Sponsor
BOOK A HOLIDAY LIGHTS PARTY FOR YOUR GROUP
Host your very own holiday party at the Bronx Zoo during our Holiday Lights celebration. Perfect for groups of any size.
