Christmas at the Zoo
Nov. 23 – Jan. 5, 2025 | 5-9pm Sun-Thu & 5-10pm Fri-Sat | Closed Nov. 28, Dec. 24 & 25, Dec. 31 & Jan. 1
Experience Our Beloved Holiday Tradition!
A light sprinkling of snow and the glow of twinkling lights will fill the sky, creating a magical nighttime experience that has become one of Central Indiana’s most beloved holiday traditions.
Dating back to 1967, the Indianapolis Zoo was the first zoo in the nation to hold a holiday lights event. Year after year, Christmas at the Zoo presented by Indiana Members Credit Union continues to grow. For our 57th year, we’re adding beautiful new decor and experiences, to enhance your next holiday trip to the Zoo. And the best part is it’s all included with regular admission!
Santa’s Village
New This Year! Santa’s Magic Cottage
If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to step inside a glittering snow globe, then Santa’s Village under the Bicentennial Pavilion is the place to be. New this year, guests will have the opportunity to take a personal journey to the North Pole with Santa’s Magic Cottage Warmed by Peterman Brothers!
This one-of-a-kind experience fully immerses you in the holiday spirit. Mrs. Claus will invite you inside the home of Kris Kringle, and Santa’s elves will guide you through this experience. Families will meet Santa in his personal study, where kids can enjoy a personal visit, tell him their wishes and create long lasting memories with the perfect photo opportunity.
And as an added bonus, Santa’s Magic Cottage Warmed by Peterman Brothers will help beat the winter chill.
Santa will be welcoming visitors during Christmas at the Zoo starting at 5pm. Santa’s que line will close 1 hour before park closes.
Monday-Thursday until 5pm when Santa’s Village Opens: IMCU members who show their IMCU debit or credit card, or digital card on their phone, their group will advance to the FRONT OF THE LINE for Santa’s Magic Cottage Warmed by Peterman Brothers.
On two select nights, December 3 & 10, Christmas at the Zoo will be a low sensory experience with alterations to sound, smell and lighting.
Included With Admission
Upgrade to Zoo Member
Christmas at the Zoo! Presented by Indiana Members Credit Union has been Voted Seventh in the Nation
Our beloved holiday event was nominated for USA Today’s 10 Best Zoo Lights! Year after year, we have been ranked among the top of the nation’s best zoo lights. Thanks for everyone who voted for us!
Foodie Guide presented by Red Gold
Don’t worry about dinner, we’ve got you covered. Try our hearty homemade holiday fare to ease your appetite. From pecan pie to brisket burgers and pretzel bites, there’s so much to try. Don’t forget to grab a cup of cheer to fill with hot chocolate as you enjoy the lights.
Give A Gift That Also Supports Our Animal Conservation Mission
- Our admission gift tickets make it easy to give your loved ones a day of Zoo fun, and they can choose when to visit.
- A Zoo membership provides wild fun all year long! With options to fit any household, your loved ones receive unlimited Zoo parking and admission, special events invitations, discounts and more.
- Special Experiences, like our Dolphin In-Water Adventure, Premium Sloth Encounter and Animal Art Adventures, offer up-close encounters and lifelong memories.
- With animal-themed gifts, apparel and more, our gift shops have something for everyone. In our main gift shop, you’ll find a limited number of one-of-a-kind items painted by our animal artists! Sales support our Indianapolis chapter of American Association of Zookeepers.
- Support the work of conservation heroes with the help of Champions for our Planet: Indianapolis Prize Guide to Animal Conservation Giving.
- Sponsor an Animal Amigo and you can help support our animals right here at the Zoo.
More Holiday Details in our Blog
Have your next date night at Christmas at the Zoo. A beautiful setting and some delicious food and drinks for a memorable evening.
Read More
From temperature-regulated pools to heated rocks, learn the ways we help keep animals cozy during cold weather.
Read More
Here’s some zoo gift giving ideas to help you support conservation while creating memorable moments for a loved one.
Read More
Go green this holiday season and recycle old Christmas lights!
If your holiday lights are no longer shining bright, don’t throw them out! Drop them off in the donation bins at our Front Entry and we’ll recycle them for you free of charge. Holiday light recycling is presented by our friends at Technology Recyclers.
