Tickets are required and must be reserved in advance.
Select dates
November 21, 2025 — January 4, 2026
Exclusive Member Previews
November 18 • 19 • 20
Select dates
November 21, 2025 — January 4, 2026
Exclusive Member Previews November 18 • 19 • 20
Join us for a family holiday festival at the Bronx Zoo.
New York’s family-favorite holiday tradition returns, as millions of lights and hundreds of illuminated animals spread across six lantern trails. Holiday Lights is a festive night out with friends and family as we celebrate wildlife and enjoy immersive light experiences, hands-on activities, holiday entertainment, and delicious food and drinks. Beloved favorites return, including the Holiday Train and Enchanted Sea - plus NEW surprises including thrilling snow tube slides, an epic illuminated ice-themed throne, virtual snowball throwing, and much more.
Buy TicketsWCS Member BenefitsCheck 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.
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.
**Discount can only be applied to Holiday Lights tickets, excluding the Holiday Lights Any-Night ticket. Offer valid through 9/21/25. Discount must be entered at the time of checkout. Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotions.
A Celebration in Lights
Lantern Safaris
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 WCS staff works to protect through our field programs around the world, and at our zoos and aquarium in New York.
Interactive Experiences
Get into the holiday spirit with re-imagined hands-on activities, as you play with light, bubbles, and snow.
Enchanted Sea
The undersea world is brought to life with NEW friendly puppets, interactive floor projections, ocean-themed interactive light panels, and a jellyfish celebration in lights.
Schiff Family Great Hall
Play with Light
Touch, dance, and draw using interactive glowing walls, shimmering flowers, and colored stepping stones — and send virtual greeting cards to WCS staff across the globe helping to save wildlife and wild places!
Dancing Crane Plaza
Iconic Light Displays
Perfect for photo ops with friends and family.
Holiday Tree
The towering holiday tree features synchronized musical animal-themed light shows.
Astor Court
Light Tunnels
The walk-through Light Tunnels will dazzle you with moving lights, creating the perfect photo backdrop.
Around the Park
More Holiday Lights Fun
New For 2025
*subject to change
Freeze Zone
Experience a thrilling snow tube slide, take your rightful seat on an epic illuminated ice-themed throne, chat with talking snowmen, and throw virtual snowballs!
Giraffe Corner
Fan Favorites
Illuminated Characters
Encounter amazing animal-themed illuminated performers—perfect for family photo ops and festive fun.
Astor Court
Holiday Train
The family-favorite kids’ ride returns for 2025!
$4 ($3 Members, FREE for Conservation-level Members)
Fountain Circle
Ice Carving Demonstrations
Join us for nightly ice carving demonstrations as expert artists create wildlife art from giant ice blocks!
Grizzly Corner
Wildlife Theater
Enjoy family-friendly puppet adventures with wildlife trivia.
Dancing Crane Pavilion
Festive Treats
Get your fill of hot cocoa, roasted s’mores, empanadas, ice cream, spiked holiday drinks, Dippin Dots, and gifts to purchase and enjoy.
Throughout the Zoo
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, 2024 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, 2024 Attendee
My son and I love Holiday Lights. Having a nice hot chocolate and immersing yourself is the best.”
Elsie, 2024 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, 2024 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
Three exclusive preview days: November 18–20
40% OFF tickets to all event days
IDNYC and Aquarium Members
40% OFF tickets to all event days
Conservation level Members
Reserve FREE TICKETS to Holiday Lights throughout the program
Free admission to Holiday Lights is based on availability.
Join or upgrade to Conservation-level Member now and enjoy Holiday Lights—FREE, all season long.
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.
Presented By
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.
