Holiday Lights Sensory-Friendly Night
Thursday, December 5, 2024 and Friday, January 3, 2025

Join us for an experience designed for guests who thrive in a sensory-supportive environment. We invite all guests to join us during these special evenings, when you can expect the same great Holiday Lights experience with some modifications to make it more sensory-inclusive.

Buy Tickets
Reserve member tickets

Sensory Friendly Holiday Lights includes:

  • Reduced capacity to allow guests more space to spread out.
  • Quieter music. The volume will be turned down on music playing throughout the park.
  • Adjusted lighting effects - Most light displays will be static and reduced movement. Please note – animated light show will run on Astor Court. This 10 min program has a 20 min intermission between shows, which allows guests to move through the area if they do not want to watch this presentation.
  • Quiet ice carving – artists will be using chisels and hand-carving instead of power tools.
  • Illuminated performers on Astor Court - Instead of roaming the event, these costumed performers will be stationary in one area so guests can choose to approach and participate in the interaction.
  • KultureCity Sensory Bag loan available on entry – Free loan with ID hold. Quantity is limited, and availability is on a first come first serve basis. New this year – strobe glasses available for loan.

In addition to these modifications, we will have available the sensory sensitivities support services we offer on every night of Holiday Lights: KultureCity Sensory Bags (free loan with ID hold); and, indoor Quiet Area at Astor Court, for those who need a break from the stimulating event environment.

To help guests prepare for Holiday Lights, please review our Social Story.


For Sensory Seekers

Please be aware of these optional areas with multi-sensory experiences. Check the Holiday Lights Map, as these areas are easy to avoid if activities may be sensory overload for those with sensitivities.

  • Light Show on Astor Court - Animated light show with music runs on large center lawn of Astor Court.
  • Play With Light Zones:
    • Enchanted Garden: Indoor interactive elements - touch-activated light displays and digital media.
    • Giraffe Corner: Outdoor interactive lights - stepping stones and touch-activated light displays.
  • Wildlife Theater shows & games at Dancing Crane Plaza - Actors use variety of music, puppets, dancing during short shows. Microphones may be used. Noise-reducing headphones available here for loan during shows

Buy Tickets
Reserve member tickets

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.

I’m in the park

Visit the in-park app experience

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

I'm in the park