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Christmas at the Zoo presented by
Donatos and Teachers Credit Union

Donatos logoTCU logo

New Dates! ● Begins Nov. 25 ● 5-9pm
Open Wednesday-Sunday until Dec. 23
& Dec. 26-30

 

Get a preview of this event by downloading the 2011 Christmas at the Zoo map!

Check out the Zoo Gift Guide for 2011!

Don't forget to check out the OMG! Orchids show at the Gardens when you come to Christmas at the Zoo - it's included, and the Hilbert Conservatory is decked out for the holidays!

CATZ calendar 2011CATZ-Kimberly HarmsIt’s time to get ready for Christmas at the Zoo presented by Donatos and Teachers Credit Union (TCU), our annual holiday light spectacular! Join us to make memories too big to fit in a box while you visit animals that love cooler weather, walk the Zoo grounds covered in lights, and enjoy holiday cheer.   The fun starts ever earlier this year, so make your holiday plans today!  The Zoo opens at 12noon, with holiday activities from 5-9pm each night we are open.  Christmas at the Zoo is free for Zoo  members and included with regular Zoo admission.  Photo by Kimberly Harms

Not your typical Zoo visit!

CATZ family-Jason WrightA trip to Christmas at the Zoo is unlike any other time of the year.  As dusk sets over the White River State Park, the Zoo begins to glow with Christmas lights creating peaceful, yet magical nights.  Find yourself eager to celebrate everything the holidays should be… plus animals! Several of the Zoo’s hardiest will stay up late to enjoy the cooler nights, including the sea lions, polar bear, walrus, tigers, and brown bears.  You and your loved ones will have no trouble keeping warm going between Oceans, the Dolphin Dome, Deserts, Santa’s Village, Café, Santa’s Sweet Shop, and two campfires.  Grab some hot chocolate and come join in the fun!  
Photo by Jason Wright

LED Lights presented by the UPS Foundation.

Holiday Festivities Not to Miss
Santa visit  Santa’s Village
□  Santa visits (great photo packages available*)
□  Cookie decorating* with Mrs. Claus
□  Letters to Santa

●  Animals
□  Holiday Dolphin Show
□  Five animal keeper chats

CATZ-Jason Wright  Animated Light Shows
□   We Three Trees presented by Indianapolis Honda Dealers

 □   All-A-Glow Light Show presented by Rolls Royce

●  Carolers (before Christmas)
□  Performances by local school choirs (at Cafe on the Commons)
□  Traditional carolers singing around the campfire
Photo by Jason Wright
Goodies-Jason WrightFood*
□  Café at the Commons offers regular Zoo fare
□  Santa’s Sweet Shop takes over the Outpost in the middle of the Zoo with oversized gourmet caramel apples and rice crispy treats, freshly baked cinnamon rolls and cookies, as well as homemade fudge and brownies
□  Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen snack stop in Santa’s Village
□  Santa’s First Stop snack stop on the main path just off the entrance plaza
□  Whistle Stop snack stop across from the train ride
Photo by Jason Wright



●  Photo Ops*
□  Front Gate as you enter
□  Santa in Santa’s Village
□  Sleigh along the main path in the middle of the Zoo

●  Rides*
□  Holiday Train Ride
□  Carousel

 Great Gifts*
□  The main Indianapolis Zoo Store will be located in White River Gardens until spring, so visit there to find the perfect and or holiday decorations for all ages - great plush, ornaments, books, and more!

Find the Mistletoe – Be on the lookout for up to 10 mistletoes and register to win one of two Dolphin In-Water Adventures. (Not all mistletoes need to be found in order to register.)

*  Requires additional charge.

Admission & Discounts
Christmas at the Zoo is free for Zoo members and included with regular off-season admission (Adults $9.50, Youth/Seniors $7.50).

Receive $1.00 off with each donation of a new hat, scarf or gloves to neighboring St. Mary’s Children Center, which helps young children who are at risk for social, emotional, economic and environmental problems.

Save 20% off Christmas at the Zoo tickets when you stop by any Indianapolis area Donatos logo, or call to order the tickets to be delivered with your pizza!  Click here for a list of the Donatos locations where you can get  your Christmas at the Zoo tickets!

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