Guests can gaze at twinkling lights and visit their favorite animals while walking through a winter wonderland at the Indianapolis Zoo. Christmas at the Indianapolis Zoo presented by Donatos and Teachers Cre​dit Union offers the best of the holiday season with a unique Zoo twist.
The Indianapolis Zoo started this beloved tradition in 1967, becoming the first zoo in the United States to host a holiday lights event. Now in its 47th year, visitors can experience the magic of Christmas at the Indianapolis Zoo from 5-9 pm Wednesdays through Sundays, Nov. 27-Jan. 3, plus Dec. 21, 22, 28 and 29. The Zoo will be closed on Christmas Eve and Day, New Year’s Eve and Day.
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The Zoo opens daily at noon, and guests are encouraged to come early to visit with some cold-weather critters, including tigers, polar bear, sea lions, red panda, brown bears, walrus and more. All of the Zoo’s indoor exhibits will be open for visitors as well. Some of the animals also get into the Christmas spirit with dolphin presentations and special animal keeper chats.
As the sun sets, the Zoo will transform with beautiful holiday lights and animal displays, including We Three Trees presented by Central Indiana Honda Dealers and the All-A-Glow Light Show presented by UnitedHealthcare. As visitors stroll through the Zoo, they can sing along with traditional carolers and warm up near one of the campfires.
Inside White River Gardens, families can stop by Santa’s Workshop presented by Chick-fil-A where the little ones can decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus, write letters to Santa and visit with St. Nicholas himself leading up to Christmas day. After Christmas, find plenty more crafts and activities still inside White River Gardens.
Christmas at the Indianapolis Zoo is free for members and included with regular Zoo admission. Discount tickets are available at participating Donatos and Teachers Credit Union locations. Guests can also save money by purchasing advance tickets online at IndianapolisZoo.com.
