Bronx Zoo’s Holiday Lights Festival Returns Nov. 19, Tickets on Sale Now

The outdoor Holiday Lights celebration at the Bronx Zoo is complete with light displays, festive entertainment, and more seasonal fun!

By Barbara Russo October 1, 2021

Amaze your family by bringing them to the Bronx Zoo for its holiday lights tradition, returning this year on select dates from Nov. 19-Jan. 9, 2022! It's yet another way the city is lighting up with winter/holiday light festivals this year, including the NYC Winter Lantern Festival and LuminoCity Festival!

During the evenings, the zoo will sparkle as immersive light displays, custom-designed animal lanterns and animated light shows shine across the zoo. The outdoor walk-through experience is complete with festive entertainment and classic holiday music.

This year's event will feature 79 new lanterns representing 30 new animal species, making it a perfect way to celebrate wildlife AND the holidays. Also new for 2021 is a special evening for adults over age 21 on Dec. 1, featuring unlimited food and a selection of adult beverages (makes a great date night or evening out with friends!).

Entertainment this year includes:

Costume Characters in Somba Village
Ice Carving Demonstrations and Competitions in Grizzly Corner
Stilt Walkers (all animal-themed, of course!) in Astor Court
Holiday Train (additional fee of $3) in Astor Court
Wildlife Theater in Dancing Crane Pavilion

No holiday event would be complete without seasonal treats like hot cocoa, roasted marshmallows, ice cream, s'mores, and coffee—all found throughout the zoo!

What You Need to Know About Visiting Holiday Lights at the Bronx Zoo

Where is the Bronx Zoo located?

The Bronx Zoo is located at 2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx.

When is the Bronx Zoo’s Holiday Lights Festival?

The Holiday Lights Festival will run on select dates from Nov. 19 through Jan. 9, 2022. Check the website for hours.

How much are tickets to the festival?

Tickets are: $39.95; $34.95 seniors ages 65 and older; and $24.95 for children ages 3-12. All tickets are date-specific and must be purchased in advance. Tickets are on sale now.

What are the Bronx Zoo’s current COVID guidelines?

All events and activities at the Bronx Zoo this year have been modified to meet all safety guidelines as directed by NYC, the state, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. All guests older than 2 are required to wear masks indoors. Due to the NYC Executive Order, all visitors must show proof of vaccination status—at least one shot—to enter indoor areas. For all of the COVID-19 protocols and information, visit the zoo's Know Before You Go page.

For more information and to see the event schedule, visit bronxzoo.com or follow the zoo on Facebook and Instagram.

Check out more holiday festivals happening throughout the metro area by browsing our Fall Family Fun Guide.

Main Image: Julie Larsen Maher/Wildlife Conservation Society