‘Tis the Season for Zoo Lights!
Come to the Zoo between 6-8pm from Friday, December 6 through Monday, December 23rd for an evening of beautiful lights and decorations, live entertainment, and visits with Santa at Zoo Lights, presented this year by BMO Harris Bank.
How many lights does it take to fill the Zoo? No one is willing to count, but our Zoo Lights staff has been hard at work since October stringing lights on fences and bushes, and high up in the trees. The result is nothing short of breathtaking, and each year features even more lights in more intricate displays. If Zoo Lights isn’t already part of your holiday tradition, this year is a great time to start!
Back near the grizzly bear exhibit, the forecast is for SNOW every few minutes. OK, it’s not real snow, but you’d never know from all the kids dancing and twirling as the flakes fall. Grab a cup of hot chocolate for just $1 (yes parents, there is also a “spiked” option), pick up a free cookie or two, and settle in for some live entertainment by various school and community groups on one of three stages located throughout the Zoo. Then stroll around and admire over 30 trees and bushes imaginatively decorated by organizations from around Tucson.
Santa will be in his workshop (located near the zebra exhibit) each night of Zoo Lights, listening attentively to kids’ Christmas wishes. Visits with Santa are free, but our Teen Volunteers will be on hand to take and print souvenir photos right on the spot for $5. The money they raise here is earmarked for conservation projects that the teens support, so by purchasing a photo of your child with Santa, you’re helping to make a difference to animals in the wild.
And speaking of animals, although some of the Zoo’s residents will have access to their exhibits during this event, most choose the warmth and quiet of their night houses. But there’s lots to keep you smiling at Zoo Lights, so bring the whole family out for a safe and fun evening that’s guaranteed to get you in the holiday spirit.
Admission prices for Zoo Lights are $6 for adults and $4 for children 2-14 years. Kids under 2 are free. Zoo Members will receive $1 off each admission throughout the event, or may choose to come on one of our Member Appreciation Nights, December 6-12, when each Member admission will be 50% off. Tickets can be purchased at the gate, or in advance by clicking here. We hope to see you at Zoo Lights!