This weekend is your last chance to walk the holiday lights trail all around the park, see the stunning display of illuminated sculpted animals, sip hot cocoa, roast marshmallows and chow down on a churro. You can even catch ice-carvers in action as well as ride the ice-slide and take pics in front of an awesome ice sculpture inspired by the Disney movie Frozen’s Arendelle Castle.
There are plenty of Instaworthy photo ops around the park—the polar bear lanterns make for a cool shot!
Good to know: Parking at Entrance B (Bronx River entrance) puts you at the beginning of the holiday lights trail. Definitely aim to get there on the early side, the crowds build fast. If you get to the Lantern Safari line and see it’s way too long, don’t worry, the line moves pretty quickly. At the end of the display, you can even roast marshmallows.
You and the kids can walk through the zoo glittering with LED light displays, animated light shows and more. The last time this event ran (12 years ago), displays included light-up rhinos, zebras and elephants, twinkle light arches topped with wildlife figures and snowflake-clad trees. You can feel good knowing that the LED tech behind the lights makes this show super energy efficient.
The kids will get to see holiday performances, go caroling, catch an ice carving demonstration, hop a train ride and more. Warm up at the end of the night with hot chocolate and s’mores.
Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights will run Sundays through Thursdays from 5-9 pm and 5-10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays through January 5. Tickets are $29.95/adults, $28.95/seniors and $22.95 for kids. Parking is $17-23 (varies by day). Buy your tickets at bronxzoo.com.