The magic of the holidays comes alive at the Bronx Zoo as Holiday Lights returns for another enchanting season. This family favorite NYC holiday tradition, proudly sponsored by Con Edison, turns the park into a winter wonderland where millions of lights and hundreds of wildlife lanterns transform winter evenings into an unforgettable experience.

Running select evenings now through Jan. 4, Holiday Lights invites guests of all ages to create lasting memories together during the most wonderful time of the year. The celebration combines the thrill of new experiences with the comfort of returning favorites, making it a must-visit destination for both first-time visitors and families continuing their annual tradition.

This year’s expanded celebration introduces exciting new winter thrills at the Freeze Zone, featuring massive snow tube slides, an epic illuminated ice throne photo opportunity, talking snowmen, and a snowball wall where families can enjoy virtual snowball tossing. The beloved Enchanted Sea returns with even more interactive elements and new captivating puppetry, immersing visitors in a magical underwater world brought to life through play and performance.

Families can journey through six immersive wildlife lantern trails featuring geographic-themed regions and the magical Forest of Color. More than 400 lanterns representing almost 100 animal and plant species connect visitors to the real wildlife and wild places that the Wildlife Conservation Society works to protect. The celebration also features a towering holiday tree with musical and light performances, nightly ice-carving demonstrations, kids’ favorite holiday train, Wildlife Theater puppet adventures, and festive treats including s’mores roasting and holiday drinks.

“We’re proud to be a holiday destination for so many families and to offer an even bigger Holiday Lights program this year,” said Jim Breheny, Director of the Bronx Zoo and EVP of WCS Zoos & Aquarium. “The annual tradition is a meaningful way for us to engage community members with WCS’s mission while celebrating the season together.”

The walk-through experience offers a safe, family-friendly environment where guests of all ages can immerse themselves in the holiday spirit, create lasting memories, and share in a love of animals through engaging activities and interactive moments.

Event details

Event dates  Dec. 4-7, Dec. 11-14, Dec. 18-23, Dec. 26-31, Jan. 2-4

Tickets

Tickets are required for entry and must be reserved in advance. Ticket sales for Holiday Lights start at 3 p.m. Lights go on and lantern trails open at 4:30 p.m. If you’re arriving at the zoo before 4:30 p.m., you have some time to visit animal exhibits before they close for the day, promptly at 4:00pm. You can then stay to see the park transform and light up during the sunset transition. The Bug Carousel, Dancing Crane Cafe and Bronx Zoo store are all open to enjoy from daytime through night.

Parking

Entrance to Holiday Lights is available through Bronx River and Southern Blvd. gates only.

Pricing

General public: Tickets start at $26.95, with flexible Any Night ticket options available. General admission is $41.95 for adults, $36.95 for seniors, and $26.95 for children ages 3–12.

WCS members: 40% discount on all tickets

Conservation members: Free admission

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