The Bronx Zoo’s seasonal celebration returns!


Select dates
November 17, 2023 — January 7, 2024

Book a Holiday Lights Any-Night ticket, and you'll have the option to visit when it works best for you.
Tickets are required and must be reserved in advance.
Holiday Lights operates 3pm to 9pm (last entry 8pm). Lights go on at 4:30pm.

BUY TICKETSMember Admission

Join us for a family holiday festival at the Bronx Zoo.

During the evenings, the park comes to life with holiday cheer as immersive light displays, custom-designed animal lanterns and animated light shows sparkle across the zoo. This year, you’ll experience NEW lantern displays showcasing the wildlife of New York’s ocean waters and wetlands, plus a new interactive experience celebrating bioluminescent creatures.

Public event dates
November 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26, 30;
December 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31;
January 5, 6, 7.
(Sensory Inclusive Nights on Dec. 7 and Jan. 5.)
Changes to activity availability may occur due to unforeseen conditions. This program does not include animal exhibits. All animal exhibits close at 4:00pm. Holiday Lights is a rain or shine event.

A Celebration in Lights

We’re celebrating the wildlife we love with animal lantern trails, holiday decor, animated sculptures, holiday train, and much more.

Lantern Trails

Nearly 400 lanterns representing almost 100 animal and plant species will connect you to the real wildlife and wild places that WCS staff works to protect through our field programs around the world, and at our zoos and aquarium in New York. 64 new lanterns representing 9 new animal species will make their debut at this year’s Holiday Lights!

Explore our 6 lantern trails
Enjoy Immersive Experiences

NEW!

Enchanted Sea

Get your glow on in Schiff Family Great Hall with LED swings, interactive floor projections, ocean-themed interactive light panels that create patterns that mimic ocean life, and a jellyfish celebration in lights.

Light Show Experiences

Holiday Lights includes enhanced light shows that provide perfect photo ops for friends and family. On Astor Court, a towering holiday tree features synchronized musical light performances. And the walk-through Light Tunnel will dazzle you with animal-themed light shows.

More Holiday Lights Fun

Holiday Train

The family-favorite kids’ ride returns for 2023!
Fountain Circle; $4 ($3 Members)

Ice Carving Demonstrations

Join us for nightly ice carving demonstrations as expert artists create wildlife art from giant ice blocks!
Grizzly Corner

Illuminated Performers

Encounter amazing animal-themed illuminated performers – perfect for family photo ops and festive fun.
Astor Court

Wildlife Theater

Enjoy family-friendly puppet adventures and wildlife trivia.
Dancing Crane Pavilion

Seasonal Treats

Get your fill of hot cocoa, roasted s’mores, warm churros, pretzels, popcorn, Dippin Dots, and gifts to bring home and enjoy.
Throughout the Zoo

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Holiday Lights is a must-see part of our family’s holiday season.


Paula, Holiday Lights Attendee

A beloved tradition returns! Plan your visit today.

BUY TICKETS Member Admission
Tickets are required and must be reserved in advance.

WCS Members’ Benefits

Member Reservations
Tickets are required and must be reserved in advance
Free admission to Member preview nights is based on availability.

Conservation level members

Reserve FREE tickets to Holiday Lights throughout the program
Free admission to Holiday Lights is based on availability.

Wcs Zoo and Land & Sea Members

Three exclusive preview days: November 14-16
40% off tickets to all event days

Idnyc and aquarium members

40% off tickets to all event days

Join as a Conservation Level Member now for FREE access to Holiday Lights!

Become a Conservation Member Now

Want 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.

Presented By

Events & Catering

Host your very own holiday party at the Bronx Zoo during our Holiday Lights celebration. Perfect for groups of any size.

Contact us today to learn about all event options.

Check out our interactive map!

Maximize your next trip to the zoo. Check out bronxzoo.com/today on your smartphone to view real-time info and our interactive map.

Need some direction? Access real-time info and our interactive map.

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Visit the in-park app experience

Need some direction? Get park maps, real-time info, and more with our new app.

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