ZooTampa at Lowry Park is lighting up the night brighter than ever at Tampa’s family-favorite tradition, Christmas in the Wild presented by GEICO, which connects guests with wildlife and the magic of the holiday season. Nominated by USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards 2024 for Best Zoo Lights, this festive experience begins November 28 and will shine on for seventeen select nights through December 30.

This popular holiday tradition transforms the Zoo into a glowing wonderland filled with over a million lights, larger-than-life illuminated animal sculptures, unforgettable entertainment, delicious seasonal food, and interactive experiences. The event blends the excitement of new adventures with the comfort of familiar favorites to create lasting memories for both first-time guests and returning families. 

Christmas in the Wild is free for members and Zoo Fun Ticket (Pay for a Day) holders. General admission tickets after 4PM are $34.95.

Christmas in the Wild Highlights:

• Jingle Bell Circle: Kick off the holiday cheer and marvel at a stunning 30 ft. tall Christmas tree sparkling with thousands of brilliantly colored lights choreographed to seasonal music. Enjoy continuous light shows, snow and special appearances by the Snow Queen and her dancing snow fairies.
• North Pole Lane: Take a stroll down the GEICO Gecko Santa Blvd and meet Santa and his friends in a winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights, merry music, and unforgettable memories. Enjoy holiday treats, games with elves, write and send a letter to Jolly Old St. Nick, decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus, participate in holiday shopping, and more.
• Illuminate: The Ituri Pass in Africa transforms into a classic Christmas experience with brilliantly illuminated lanterns, magical stilt walkers, and a classical musician celebrating the beauty of the season.
• The Realm of the Nutcracker: The holiday classic story, cherished by audiences of all ages, comes to life during a modern dance party featuring Clara, the Nutcracker, Rat King, and the Sugar Plum fairies.
• Snowasis: Enjoy a family meal while surrounded by dozens of decorated snow-flocked Christmas trees in this winter wonderland. Don’t miss a photo opportunity with Pipsy the Penguin.
• Gingerbread Jubilee: Join Mayor Molasses and the citizens of Gingerbread Village as they invite all guests to celebrate Christmas alongside them at an unforgettable jubilee.
• Ice Cavern: The Africa tunnel transforms into a frosted dreamscape featuring glowing lights and the occasional snowstorm.
• Rockin’ Wreaths: Dance in Africa Circle to lively Christmas tunes played by an interactive DJ.
• Ticky Tacky Christmas: Roaring Springs transforms into a land of tacky, where holiday decorations get silly, and the area comes alive with untraditional and silly Christmas music.
• Candy Cane Carousel: Embark on an unforgettable ride with red and white lights sprinkled all around the carousel for a candy cane celebration. Then have an unforgettable encounter with Randolph the reindeer in his holiday barn.
• Caribbean Christmas: Transport to the islands with a festive display of bright pink flamingo lights and catch the Hymn-Prov show for holiday laughs and cheers.
• Africa Path: Take a joyful stroll along the Africa Path and be immersed in the holiday spirit, surrounded by majestic animals and the harmonious sounds of Christmas carolers.
• Larger-than-life illuminated animal sculptures: A wildlife journey in lights can be found throughout the Zoo for beautiful photo opportunities for guests of all ages. Enjoy illuminated animal sculptures including a giraffe, a manatee and her calf, an elephant, eagles, a rhino, penguins, and much more.
• Merry and Bright Light Show: Enjoy a festive holiday light show playing continuously through the night in front of ZooTampa’s own holiday house.
• Holiday Signature Encounters: Elevate your evening by upgrading your experience with a Holiday African Penguin Encounter or a Holiday Greater One-Horned Rhino Encounter featuring the opportunity to get up close to amazing animals.

Festive Event Info:

• Christmas in the Wild takes place on 17 select nights from Nov. 28 – Dec. 23 from 4pm to 10pm, and Dec. 26 - Dec. 30 from 4pm to 8pm.
• Event nights are November 28 (members-only night), Nov. 29, Dec. 5-6, Dec. 12-14, Dec. 19-23, and Dec. 26-30.
• General admission tickets after 4PM are $34.95 and can be purchased online at zootampa.org.
• Admission to the event is included with a Pay for Day ticket or membership.

Guests seeking a meaningful way to give back this holiday season are invited to visit the animal Giving Tree. Donations support enrichment activities and toys that promote the physical and mental well-being of ZooTampa’s animals.