Holiday Lights Return to the Bronx Zoo This Friday

By Jacqueline Neber November 26, 2019

This is the first time the zoo will be putting on a lights exhibition since 2007.

Parents looking for a new way to experience holiday magic with the kids might be happy to know the Bronx Zoo is bringing back its holiday lights tradition for the first time since 2007–and it'll be open this Friday, Nov. 29! According to the zoo, the display will be bigger, brighter, and greener than before. You can view the lights from Nov. 29–Dec. 31 and Jan. 3-5 to keep the fun going into the new year. The show was open for a preview on Nov. 21.

This is a light show fit for a zoo–the walk-through experience will feature wildlife-themed LED displays, custom Asian lanterns, and animated light shows on Astor Court. Traveling all the way through the exhibit is a great way to cover several acres of the zoo. Besides lights, kids can have fun with holiday-themed music, ice carving demonstrations, caroling, performances, train rides, seasonal treats, and souvenirs–and, of course, all the animals! From Dec. 21-31, there will be an Ice Jubilee featuring an ice bar, ice throne, ice slide, and an ice carving competition on Dec. 28.

“It is exciting to have this great holiday tradition back at the Bronx Zoo and I think people really enjoy the experience of being in the zoo at night,” said Jim Breheny, Bronx Zoo Director. “The LED lights allow us to minimize energy use while celebrating the season with beautiful animal-themed light displays that you’d expect to see at the Bronx Zoo.”

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The Bronx Zoo is renowned for its leadership in animal welfare, veterinary care, education, science, and conversation. The zoo is the flagship park of the Wildlife Conservation Society, a consortium that includes the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, Queens Zoo and New York Aquarium–the largest network of urban wildlife parks in the world. The Bronx Zoo is also the largest youth employer in the Bronx.

To experience the show with your family, head to the zoo from 5-9pm Sunday-Thursday, or between 5-10pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets are $29.95 for adults, $22.95 for children, and $28.95 for seniors. The lights show will be closed on Dec. 24, and both the show and the zoo will be closed on Christmas Day. For more information on the show, head to the zoo's website.

Main Image: Julie Larsen Maher/Wildlife Conservation Society