5 Things You MUST See & Do at Holiday Lights
Holiday Lights is NYC’s family favorite holiday tradition. It’s one of our favorite times of the year at the Bronx Zoo - millions of lights, hundreds of animal lanterns across 6 trails; warm snacks, the hot chocolate, the music, the snacks, the kids’ Holiday Train, and did we mention the snacks?
NEW for 2025
Chills & Thrills in the Freeze Zone
Experience a thrilling snow tube slide, take your rightful seat on an epic illuminated ice-themed throne, take a photo with a snowman, and throw virtual snowballs!
Insider Scoop: Arrive at 3pm and your Holiday Lights tickets allow you to experience a full hour of visiting your favorite animals before the park transforms into a winter wonderland. Before the lights turn on at 4:30pm, experience the snow tube slides in the new Freeze Zone , or take a spin on the Bug Carousel!
Follow the Lantern Trails
Millions of lights and hundreds of wildlife lanterns spread across 6 lantern trails representing almost 100 animal and plant species will connect you to the real wildlife and wild places that our WCS staff works to protect through our field programs around the world, and at our zoos and aquarium in New York.
Insider Scoop: True Holiday Lights devotees will want to complete the full animal lantern safari by visiting all six lantern trails: Africa, Asia, Latin America, North America, Ocean, and Forest of Color. There are nearly 400 lanterns in all, representing almost 100 animal and plant species.
It’s All Happening on Astor Court
Astor Court is holiday central, featuring the majestic tree, musical light show, illuminated performers, and, of course, the nearby kids’ holiday train, giving our youngest visitors a fun-filled joy ride.
Insider Scoop: Keep your camera handy in this area; it’s a great place for photos, with plenty of areas to help you create the perfect “photo op” moments so you can capture memories with your group.
Let’s Get Sensory
The holidays become interactive with light projections to engage the senses. Kids can do more than just watch the lights here - colored stepping stones, floor and hand interactives, snow and bubble machines and more help them to take part in the fun. Look for them at Dancing Crane Plaza, Enchanted Sea and other locations.
Insider Scoop: Another great way to get “hands-on” is to take a ride on the Bug Carousel, which will be available for rides throughout Holiday Lights and is included with your ticket to the event.
There’s S’mores Where That Came From
Finally, we’re getting to the treats. You can’t spell Holiday Lights without S-M-O-R-E-S. Well, you can, but you shouldn’t. Head to The Patio and warm up at a crackling fire pit as you roast marshmallows to your desired level of perfection. Once toasted, sandwich the sugary goo between two graham crackers and a chocolate bar. It’s a recipe for joy.
Insider Scoop: Okay, there’s a lot more than s’mores available. Like hot chocolate, peppermint bark, warm churros, holiday cookies, and more - plus the Bronx Zoo store at Dancing Crane Plaza will be open for holiday gift purchases! And if you're interested in adult beverages with a festive twist, the Holiday Bar at Somba Village has you covered with spiked holiday drinks!
Tickets start at just $26.95. Kids 2 and under are free!