Holiday Lights Festival Is Coming Back to the Bronx Zoo

The festive experience will be back starting November 20.

So many holiday experiences are canceled this year but there’s one magical outdoor event that’s definitely happening at The Bronx Zoo. The zoo’s Holiday Lights will be back starting November 20.

Julie Larsen Maher © WCS

Holiday Lights will be on display on select dates from November 20 to January 10 with a member preview November 17-19. Tickets for Holiday Lights must be purchased in advance online. Buy your tickets before October 4 for a 30 percent early bird discount.

This year’s experience will take place in a larger area of the zoo to make it easier to socially distance. The zoo will have almost 50 more animal lanterns than last year and will create five geographically representative lantern safaris that include species from different regions of the world. All guests older than 3 years old must wear a face covering and socially from others outside their party.

Julie Larsen Maher © WCS

There will be holiday-themed music, ice carving demos, costumed characters, stilt walkers, souvenirs, and warm goodies like hot chocolate and s’mores—with 12 s’mores fire pits!

“2020 has been a trying year for all of us and has once again shown the resiliency of New York City and New Yorkers,” said Jim Breheny, Bronx Zoo Director and WCS Executive Vice President for Zoos & Aquarium “The city has always been the center of the holiday universe, and The Bronx Zoo’s Holiday Lights will help bring a sense of normalcy to the city.”

Julie Larsen Maher © WCS

“The Bronx Zoo’s Holiday Lights is a beloved tradition for thousands of New Yorkers and visitors. This year’s festivities are especially important to the community because they provide families with a safe way to celebrate the holiday season,” said Frances A. Resheske, Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Con Edison, a presenting sponsor of the event.

Head to the website for ticket info and a schedule of activities. All tickets are date-specific and must be purchased in advance online. For a full list of COVID-19 safety protocols, visit the zoo’s Know Before You Go page.

 

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