The Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights festival is returning for the 2026-27 holiday season with new light shows, enhanced exhibits and returning favorites.
The annual event, now in its 29th year, runs on select dates from Saturday, Nov. 21, through Sunday, Jan. 3. It transforms the Bronx Zoo into a winter wonderland featuring millions of lights, illuminated animal lanterns and seasonal activities.
What's new at Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights?
One of the biggest additions this year is late-night access to an enhanced Children's Zoo.
Guests can enjoy cozy photo opportunities with alpacas, llamas, donkeys and baby goats. Several indoor exhibits, including World of Darkness and World of Reptiles, will also be open, giving visitors a chance to warm up while seeing animals such as sloths and crocodiles.
Other returning Holiday Lights attractions include:
- The Lantern Safari, featuring more than 400 illuminated animal lanterns throughout the zoo's different areas
- The Holiday Train
- A snow-tube slide in the Freeze Zone
- Ice carvings featuring various wildlife
- Seasonal food and drinks, including hot chocolate and pretzels
- S'mores around a fire pit on the zoo's patio
When is Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights?
The event runs on select dates from Saturday, Nov. 21, through Sunday, Jan. 3.
The lights and lanterns turn on at 4:30 p.m., although ticketed guests can enter the zoo beginning at 1 p.m.
Tickets are required and must be reserved in advance.
Wildlife Conservation Society members will have access to preview nights on Thursday, Nov. 19, and Friday, Nov. 20.
How much are Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights tickets?
Visitors can choose between date-specific tickets or tickets valid on any of the select Holiday Lights dates.
Tickets start at:
- $42.95: Guests ages 13 and older
- $27.95: Children ages 3 to 12
- $37.95: Guests 65 and older
- Free: Children 2 and younger
Additional ticketing information and event details are available through the Bronx Zoo.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights 2026: Dates, tickets and what's new
