ZooTampa at Lowry Park will host its annual Christmas in the Wild event, starting November 28 and running for seventeen select nights through December 30. The holiday event, presented by GEICO, is recognized as a nominee for USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards 2024 for Best Zoo Lights.
The zoo will be decorated with over a million lights and feature illuminated animal sculptures, entertainment, seasonal food, and interactive experiences. Guests can expect both new attractions and returning favorites.
This year’s festivities include an expanded North Pole Lane sponsored by GEICO, where visitors can meet Santa, Mrs. Claus, and elves. “Christmas in the Wild is free for members and Zoo Fun Ticket (Pay for a Day) holders. General admission tickets after 4PM are $29.95.”
Highlights of the event include the Holly Jolly Circle with a 30-foot Christmas tree synchronized to music; North Pole Lane activities such as cookie decorating and games with elves; Illuminate at Ituri Pass featuring lanterns and stilt walkers; The Realm of the Nutcracker dance party; Snowasis dining among snow-flocked trees; Gingerbread Jubilee in Gingerbread Village; Ice Cavern transformation of the Africa tunnel; Rockin’ Wreaths DJ experience in Africa Circle; Ticky Tacky Christmas at Roaring Springs; Candy Cane Carousel rides with Randolph the reindeer; Caribbean Christmas with flamingo lights and live shows; Africa Path caroling walks among animals; illuminated animal sculptures throughout the zoo; Merry and Bright Light Show at ZooTampa’s holiday house; and special animal encounters with penguins or rhinos.
The event takes place from November 28 – December 23 from 4pm to 10pm, and December 26 – December 30 from 4pm to 8pm. Specific dates include November 28 (members-only night), November 29, December 5-6, December 12-14, December 19-23, and December 26-30. Tickets are available online at zootampa.org.
Visitors can also contribute to ZooTampa’s animal Giving Tree program during the holidays. Donations help provide enrichment activities and toys that support the physical and mental well-being of animals at ZooTampa.
ZooTampa at Lowry Park operates as an independent nonprofit organization focused on conservation, education, and research. The zoo has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) for more than three decades. It is known as Florida’s most visited zoological attraction and has received multiple awards including recognition from USA TODAY’s Readers’ Choice Travel Awards and Trip Advisor Travelers’ Choice Award. The zoo is nationally recognized for its work in rehabilitating Florida species such as manatees.
More information about Christmas in the Wild can be found at www.zootampa.org.
