Christmas at the Zoo
Nov. 23 – Jan. 5, 2025 | Activities run 5-9pm Sun-Wed & 5-10pm Fri-Sat | Closed on 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 lights event. year and year, Christmas at the Zoo 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 Study
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 Study 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 sit on his lap, tell him what they want for Christmas and create long lasting memories with the perfect photo opportunity. After meeting with Santa, kids will be presented with a special gift – Santa’s Magic Key!
And as an added bonus, Santa’s Magic Study warmed by Peterman Brothers will help beat the winter chill.
Included With Admission
Upgrade to Zoo Member
Gift 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 free 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.
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.
If you love the Zoo, the holidays and giving back, we want to hear from you! We need for volunteers ages 16 and older to help bring Christmas at the Zoo to life. Assignments include Campfire Hosts and Santa’s Study Assistant. Volunteers receive two complimentary Zoo admission tickets for each volunteer shift during Christmas at the Zoo.
Thanks To Our Partners:
Presenting Sponsor of Christmas at the Zoo
Presenting Sponsor of Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen
Official Wine Sponsor of Indianapolis Zoo Special Events
Official Cocktail Provider of Indianapolis Zoo Special Events
Official Logistics Provider of the Zoo
Christmas Lights Installer
Warming Sponsor of Santa’s Magic Study
ZooBoo Safety Sponsor; Christmas at the Zoo Holiday LED Lights Partner
Power Recycling Days Sponsor & Holiday Lights Recycler
Christmas at the Zoo Santa’s Favorite Tree Partner