Christmas at the Zoo, presented by Indiana Members Credit Union, returns in 2025 with fresh décor, more lights and even more holiday magic. The event runs Nov. 22, 2025–Jan. 4, 2026. Christmas at the Zoo festivities begin at 5 p.m. nightly, with hours from 5–9 p.m. Sunday–Thursday and 5–10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The Zoo is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
Related Article: The Ultimate Guide to Holiday Fun around Indianapolis
Regularly recognized among USA Today’s Best Zoo Lights, the Indianapolis Zoo was the first zoo in the nation to start a holiday lights event back in 1967. Now, in its 57th year, this beloved tradition draws in more than 100,000 visitors each season. Families come from all over to stroll through the glowing grounds, visit cold-weather animals and make Christmas at the Zoo part of their annual holiday celebrations.
Santa’s Village
Santa’s Village is one of the most magical parts of Christmas at the Zoo. Walking under a festive archway, visitors will feel like they’ve stepped inside a glittering snow globe as they discover the whimsical scene in the Bicentennial Pavilion. Guests can visit Santa’s spaces, stop by Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen and wander through twinkling paths. And with a wild twist only the Zoo can provide, guests can still see wintertime animals and visit Santa’s reindeer in Santa’s Barn.
Christmas Light Displays
As the sun sets, the Zoo transforms into a winter wonderland filled with colorful Christmas lights and displays. Near the front of the Zoo, the stunning Polar Pathway is one of the most photo-worthy spots after dark and leads visitors down a glittering tunnel of lights into the rest of the Zoo. For 2025, new décor and lighted trees help create “fantasy forests” to explore, plus plenty of glowing backdrops for festive family photos.
Fun for All Ages
While community carolers fill the night with favorite holiday songs, visitors can chase the chill away with hot cocoa, seasonal treats or even a festive cocktail. Families can warm up by the campfires, snap photos under the lights and look for special holiday touches sprinkled throughout the grounds.
New in 2025, the Zoo is highlighting a few special evenings, too. On Dec. 4, guests can celebrate World Wildlife Conservation Day with half-price admission. On Dec. 3 and Dec. 17, Christmas at the Zoo becomes a low-sensory experience starting at 5 p.m., with adjustments to sound, smell and lighting, free sensory bags at the Visitor’s Services Center and quiet rooms available for anyone who needs a break.
Families can also bring old or broken holiday lights from home and drop them in the recycling bins near the entrance. The Zoo’s recycling partners keep those strands out of landfills, making your holiday visit a little greener.
Under the Bicentennial Pavilion, you’ll discover Santa’s Village featuring:
- Santa’s Magic Cottage: Step inside Santa’s cozy cottage for an immersive visit to the North Pole. Mrs. Claus and the elves welcome families in, kids help discover the “magic key,” and everyone gets time with Santa in his study to share wish lists and snap a keepsake photo. Santa begins greeting visitors at 5 p.m. each evening, and the line for Santa’s Magic Cottage closes one hour before the Zoo closes.
- White River Gardens: The nearby White River Gardens glow with lights and holiday décor, giving families another sparkling place to wander, sip cocoa and enjoy the views.
- Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen: Visitors can meet Mrs. Claus in her kitchen and take part in a fun, hands-on cookie-decorating activity — a sweet way for kids to slow down and create their own treat. Mrs. Claus’ cookie fun typically continues through December 30.
- Santa’s Barn: Step into Santa’s Barn to see his sleigh up close and meet a few of his reindeer, who are on site for most of the Christmas at the Zoo season.
- Polar Pathway: Walk through a tunnel of shimmering lights that surrounds visitors in a glow of color — a must for holiday selfies and family pictures.
- Storytime with Sprinkles & Holly: On select evenings, holiday characters Sprinkles and Holly host storytelling outside Café on the Commons, giving kids a cozy spot to listen to festive tales.
- Penguin Encounter: Weather and animal conditions permitting, guests can get an up-close look at the Zoo’s cold-loving penguins during special evening encounters — a highlight for many families.
- Tinsel Tavern: Grown-ups can stop by Tinsel Tavern for holiday-themed cocktails and seasonal sips, often featuring local partners for spirits and wine.
- Mirror Maze: Laugh your way through the twists, turns and surprising reflections of the Mirror Maze — a kid favorite that’s just as fun for adults.
Christmas at the Zoo for Foodies
During Christmas at the Zoo, hungry visitors can follow the Foodie Trail, presented by Red Gold, with holiday snacks and meals sprinkled all across the grounds. From grab-and-go sweets to hearty comfort food, it’s easy to turn your visit into dinner, dessert and a show of lights all in one night. See the full Foodie Trail menu here.
Here are just a few of the festive treats you might find:
- Reindeer Chow & sweet snacks: Holiday trail mixes, eggnog-inspired parfaits and colorful Rice Krispies treats that are easy to share while you walk.
- Frosty Fluffernutter-style desserts: Peanut butter, marshmallow and graham-cracker creations that feel straight out of Santa’s workshop.
- Loaded holiday tots & comfort food: Giant stuffed tater tots, chili-topped tots, soups in bread bowls and other warm, filling options along the Foodie Trail.
- Mrs. Claus’ cookies & DIY treats: Sugar and gingerbread cookies, cupcake and cookie-decorating stations and plenty of kid-approved sweets in Santa’s Village and at Café on the Commons.
- Festive mains: Seasonal favorites like a “Christmas dinner” grilled cheese sandwich, burgers with fun holiday twists and savory sliders.
- Cup of Cheer: Classic hot chocolate served in a refillable souvenir cup, often available in White River Gardens so you can sip while you explore the lights.
- Tinsel Tavern cocktails: For adults, specialty drinks like warm spiked cocoa, creative holiday cocktails and wines from local partners are available at Tinsel Tavern locations around the Zoo.
About the Indianapolis Zoo
The Indianapolis Zoo empowers people and communities, both locally and globally, to advance animal conservation. Located in White River State Park downtown, the Indianapolis Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the American Alliance of Museums as a zoo, aquarium and botanical garden. Visit IndianapolisZoo.com.
