Holiday Lights for the Little Ones
Holiday Lights is one of NYC’s family-favorite holiday traditions, and it’s an amazing seasonal experience for guests of all ages. But it can be extra special for parents with small children - and this guide will help you hit all the highlights for your little ones and make the most of your visit!
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NEW for 2026
Children’s Zoo Farmyard*
Greet, pet, and feed donkeys, sheep, goats, alpacas, and more gentle animals in the coziest corner of the zoo during Holiday Lights!
Insider Scoop: Kids 2 & Under get into Holiday Lights for free!
…and tickets start at just $14.95 for kids ages 3-12.
NEW for 2026
World of Reptiles and World of Darkness
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.
Insider Scoop: Come early for 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.
Explore the Lantern Safaris
Move at your family’s own leisurely pace along six immersive trails representing Africa, Asia, North America, Latin America, the Ocean, and the Forest of Color, and see hundreds of luminous animal lanterns depicting iconic animals from each region.
Insider Scoop: Book a Holiday Lights Any-Night ticket
Visit when it works best for you and your family.
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.
Insider Scoop: Sensory Night
Guests who thrive in a sensory-supportive environment might enjoy Sensory Friendly Night on December 3!
Board the Holiday Train
All aboard! Take a joyful spin around Fountain Circle on the kids’ beloved Holiday Train!
Insider Scoop: Member Discount
Rides are $4 ($3 for Members, FREE for Conservation-level Members).
Experience Wildlife Theater
Sing and play along with performers and puppets presenting family-friendly animal adventures and wildlife trivia to help you learn about animals in a fun way.
Insider Scoop: Right next to the theater is the Dancing Crane Cafe, where hot chocolate, warm apple cider, eggnog, cookies, peppermint bark, pumpkin pie, and more are available for purchase.
Ride the Bug Carousel
Here, kids of all ages climb aboard a long-legged praying mantis, a bright green grasshopper, or other favorite insect of choice for a very unique carousel ride.
Insider Scoop: For more interactive fun, visit the Freeze Zone to take a ride on a snowtube slide*, throw virtual snowballs, and get a cool photo op!
