Holiday Lights 2024 Events at the Bronx Zoo: Tickets, Price & More

Strands of bright twinkling lights, vibrant green garland, and impressive firecrackers are all Christmas decorations we see adorning our neighbors’ yards.

But hundreds of brilliant animal and plant themed lanterns lighting up the night? At the Bronx Zoo – yes.

After the sun sets, 12 hectares of the park begin to glow with millions of dazzling lights that bring some of the world’s most majestic animals and habitats to life as part of the annual Holiday Lights extravaganza, opening 22 Nov.

You take a journey around the world by navigating winding paths of illuminated hand-crafted lanterns arranged in elaborate scenes of the deep sea or the African savannah. Or be mesmerized by larger-than-life performers in stylish white reindeer costumes or LED flamingo costumes, against the backdrop of the dynamic light show in Astor Court. Or be consumed by the gleeful giggles of children as they run over magical stones that change color with each step.

“This is the sixth year we’ve done Holiday Lights 2.0, so the new and improved Holiday Lights. Every year it gets better. Every year people enjoy it more,” said Bronx Zoo Director Jim Breheny. “It’s become a New York tradition for all our friends and family, not just in the Bronx but in all five boroughs and even for people out of town.”

At the center of this captivating after-dark holiday tradition, which can take up to two hours to explore, is the Astor Court Light Show. The area’s towering holiday tree, surrounded by smaller lighted trees and glowing orbs, is adorned with ever-changing patterns in festive colors.

The event also features seven enchanting paths with more than 400 lanterns in the shape of nearly 100 different animal and plant species. Each track either represents a different geographically themed region – North America, Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Ocean – or provides an immersive and colorful experience of other habitats, such as the Forest of Color and the Enchanted Sea.

Visitors also become part of the magic as they walk through the event’s ever-changing dynamic light tunnels on their way to the next track, or by testing out the ocean-themed interactive light panels, floor projections and LED swings at the Enchanted Sea or the Interactive Zone.

Other festivities include wildlife ice sculpting by expert artists, dazzling performers roaming the park, puppetry and wildlife in the theater, a one-of-a-kind bug carousel and rides along the festive holiday train.

And after you’ve explored all of the event’s attractions, or just need a pick-me-up between each light trail, you can sample a treat from one of the park’s several refreshment stands. Seasonal offerings include hot chocolate, apple pie nachos, Dippin’ Dots candy canes, spiked cinnamon apple cider, holiday punch, campfire mule and more.

The Bronx Zoo will also offer two sensory nights on Thursday, December 5 and Friday, January 3 for visitors who would enjoy a modified version of the event. These days will feature a reduced guest capacity, quieter music throughout the park, and reduced lighting effects movement for most of the event’s displays. Other modifications, as well as the sensory sensitive support services offered by the zoo, can be found on-line.

The experience is now open from 16:30 to 21:00 on selected dates until January 5, and visitors of all ages are welcome. Tickets start at $41.95 for adults, $26.95 for children and $36.95 for seniors and can be purchased online at BronxZoo.com/Holiday-Lights.

“A lot of effort, a lot of expense and a lot of energy goes into doing this every year, and we do it for you,” Breheny said. “We do it for our friends, for our families and for all the people in the communities who come out to enjoy it and support us.”

Maddie McGay is a real estate reporter for NorthJersey.com and The Record, which covers everything worth celebrating about living in North Jersey. Find her at Instagram @maddiemcgay, on X @maddiemcgayyand sign up for her North Jersey Living newsletter. Do you have a tip, trend or great house she should know about? Email her at [email protected].

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Holiday Lights 2024 Events at the Bronx Zoo: Tickets, Price & More

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