Bronx Zoo Brings Back Holiday Lights

The holidays can be a zoo, quite literally in fact, at Bronx Zoo

this winter. Get a jump on your holiday cheer and enjoy the simple fun of festive lights during this year’s brighter, greener and bigger holiday celebration.

Situated on 265 acres of the Bronx’s hardwood forest, Bronx Zoo is an expansive natural beauty with history to boot. A local attraction since 1899, the zoo and aquarium have welcomed more than 400 million visitors over the years. Bronx Zoo is rooted in family interests, as it’s actually the largest youth employer in the borough. With a focus on education, conservation and protecting wildlife, Bronx Zoo is a go-to family locale any day of the week.

Kicking off with a spectacular display Nov. 21 and running through Jan. 5, 2020, Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights are a beloved tradition, boasting holiday cheer, wild animals and family-friendly fun — what more could you ask for? Oh, food, rides and hot chocolate? No problem, they have those too.

This isn’t Bronx Zoo’s first rodeo, it’s just the first since 2007.

In celebration of the long-awaited return of the holiday lights, Bronx Zoo is offering discounts to the tune of 30–40 percent off the ticket price. Discounted purchases can be made through Sept. 15 for the upcoming season.

Entrance to the Bronx Zoo. Photo: Burt Johnson | Dreamstime.com

Purchase advance tickets online and have something festive to look forward to this holiday season, long before the holiday chaos in around to distract you.

Walk through the zoo with the kids and enjoy sparkling (and eco-friendly) LED-light displays flickering along the path. Pose next to the wildlife-themed exhibits and attractions with the kids, or walk under the photo-ready Asian lanterns. Guests can also make their way to the historic Astor Court for an animated light show — perfect for the little ones.

As if the lights and nocturnal animals roaming their habitats aren’t enough of a show, there’s also entertainment. Expect holiday-themed performances, including carolers, train rides and live ice-carving exhibits. Refuel as the holidays demand, with hot chocolate and s’mores.

Regular-priced tickets for the Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights begin at $22.95 for children, $29.95 for adults and $28.95 for seniors. Holiday hours extend 5–9 p.m., Sunday–Thursday, and 5–10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Check out the zoo’s website for more information.