Snow tube slides, an epic illuminated ice throne, and virtual snowball throwing highlight new interactive experiences at one of New York City’s most magical holiday traditions

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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 turns the park into a winter wonderland where millions of lights and hundreds of wildlife lanterns transform winter evenings into an unforgettable experience.

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(Credit © WCS)

Running select evenings from Nov. 21 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.

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

Free member preview nights: Nov. 18-20

Event dates: Nov. 21-23, Nov. 28-30, Dec. 4-7, Dec. 11-14, Dec. 18-23, Dec. 26-31, Jan. 2-4

Tickets are required for entry and must be reserved in advance. Ticket sales for Holiday Lights start at 3pm. Lights go on and lantern trails open at 4:30pm. If you're arriving at the zoo before 4:30pm, 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.

The media preview and opening ceremonies will be on Tuesday, Nov. 18, at 5:00 p.m. followed by members-only preview nights November 18-20. Working media should RSVP in advance and are encouraged to arrive by 4:30 p.m.

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

WCS Members enjoy exclusive benefits, including 40% off tickets throughout the season and three free preview nights. Conservation-level Members receive free admission to Holiday Lights. Membership packages also include year-round admission to all five WCS parks while supporting wildlife conservation efforts worldwide. View membership options.

Follow the Bronx Zoo on social media channels for updates and more: Facebook | Instagram | X | YouTube

The Bronx Zoo

The Bronx Zoo, located on 265 acres of hardwood forest in Bronx, NY, opened on Nov. 8, 1899. It is world-renowned for its leadership in the areas of animal welfare, husbandry, veterinary care, education, science and conservation. The zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is the flagship park of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) which manages the world’s largest network of urban wildlife parks including the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, Queens Zoo and New York Aquarium. Our curators and animal care staff work to save, propagate, and sustain populations of threatened and endangered species. We have educated and inspired more than 400 million visitors at our zoos and aquarium since our opening and host approximately 4 million guests at our parks each year – including about a half-million students annually. The Bronx Zoo is the largest youth employer in the borough of the Bronx, providing opportunity and helping to transform lives in one of the most under-served communities in the nation. The Bronx Zoo is the subject of THE ZOO, a docu-series aired world-wide on Animal Planet.

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