Christmas at the Zoo festivities begin daily at 5pm.

Presented by Indiana Members Credit Union

Christmas at the Zoo

Nov. 22, 2025 – Jan. 4, 2026 | Sun-Thu 5-9pm & Fri-Sat 5-10pm | Closed Holidays*

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Where Wild Meets Holiday Wonder

The tradition is back! Christmas at the Zoo presented by Indiana Members Credit Union is a wild winter wonderland unto itself. Sip hot cocoa and stroll through twinkling lights as you visit scampering red pandas, playful penguins, whiskered walrus and the graceful arctic fox. And, of course, visit Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves at Santa’s Magic Cottage.

On Dec. 4, join us in celebrating World Wildlife Conservation Day, with half-price admission presented by MDwise.

*The Zoo is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. 

View the Christmas at the Zoo Map Here.

child with santa
Explore Santa’s Magic Cottage
Presented by T-Fiber

Meet Santa and his elves inside Santa’s Magic Cottage! Kids can discover the magic key to the North Pole, share their holiday wishes with Santa and capture the perfect photo to remember the moment.

Santa will be welcoming visitors during Christmas at the Zoo starting at 5pm. The line for Santa’s Magic Cottage will close 1 hour before closing.

Special perk for Indiana Members Credit Union members:
Arrive before 5pm, show your IMCU debit or digital card, and you’ll go straight to the front of the line when Santa’s Magic Cottage opens. Monday-Thursday only.

Indianapolis-Zoo-2025-IMCU

bag with sensory friendly activities
Participate In Two Sensory-Friendly Evenings
Dec. 3 & Dec. 17

On Dec. 3 and Dec. 17 starting at 5pm, Christmas at the Zoo will be a low-sensory experience with alterations to sound, smell and lighting. Free sensory bags are available upon request at the Visitor’s Services Center when entering the Zoo. Quiet rooms will be available for those who need them.

holiday grilled cheese
Follow The Foodie Trail
Presented by Red Gold

We’ve got dinner and dessert all along the Foodie Trail presented by Red Gold. Find something for everyone, from hot chocolate, cookies, burgers and more. Find your favorite or stop at them all for a festive taste of the holiday season.

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holiday lights
Recycle Your Old Holiday Lights Here

Help us keep old holiday lights out of landfills and recycle them right here at the Zoo. Leave them in the bins at the Visitor’s Services Center by the main entrance and our partners at Technology Recyclers will take care of them responsibly.