It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the Indianapolis Zoo. The twinkling glow of Christmas lights shining, the smell of fresh hot chocolate, penguins spreading holiday cheer under the Bicentennial Pavilion and jolly old Santa Claus cozy in his study greeting children all create Central Indiana’s magical holiday family tradition, Christmas at the Zoo.
Christmas at the Zoo presented by Indiana Credit Members Union kicks off Nov. 23 and continues daily through Jan. 5, closed only on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. The Zoo opens at 2pm and Christmas at the Zoo activities go from 5-9pm, extended until 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Santa’s Village under the Bicentennial Pavilion is like stepping inside a glittering snow globe. New this year, guests will have the opportunity to take a personal journey to the North Pole with Santa’s Magic Cottage 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 enjoy a personal visit, tell him their wishes and create long lasting memories with the perfect photo opportunity.
There are so many holiday adventures that await guests at the Zoo. Stop by Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen, to decorate Christmas cookies. Santa’s sleigh and his trusty reindeer can be found in Santa’s Paddock. Laugh all the way through the twists and turns of the Snowflakery Mirror Maze, where holiday surprises are hidden behind every corner. Sit back with a cup of hot cocoa and enjoy the nightly storytelling of Sprinkles and Holly at Café on the Commons. Join in on the daily countdown to “lights on” for the 50 foot Merry and Bright tree located in front of the Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center.
Nominated for USA Today’s 10 Best Zoo Lights for the tenth straight year, the Indianapolis Zoo was the first zoo in the nation to start a holiday lights event back in 1967. Now in its 57 th year, more than 100,000 guests each year come to experience the magic and wonder of the Zoo during the holiday season. Guests can vote here until December 2nd to help Christmas at the Zoo bring home the honor of the nation’s Best Zoo Lights to Central Indiana! The Zoo’s holiday LED lights are presented by Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at Ascension St. Vincent.
Families can beat the wintertime blues and escape to the tropics for a visit with Vacation Santa in Flights of Fancy. With the help of his flamingo flock and some holiday magic, the Jolly Old Elf will seem to be in two places at once to greet even more children this year. More For the first time this year, the Indianapolis Zoo will include two Sensory Inclusive Days during Christmas at the Zoo for those who have sensory needs. On Dec. 3 and 10, the Zoo will include sensory friendly festivities by lowering the volume of music, turning off flashing lights, removing certain smells, and training our characters be aware of sensory needs. Check out our website for more information.
Many of the Zoo’s robust animals will also be out enjoying the cooler weather, including Arctic foxes, tigers, brown bears, red pandas, sea lions and seals. Special chats throughout the day will give guests opportunities to learn more about their favorite animals. Plus, the Zoo’s many indoor exhibits will offer a perfect place for visitors to go when cheeks get rosy.
When the sun goes down, the Zoo will transform into a winter wonderland filled with colorful lights and displays. Near the front of the Zoo, the stunning Polar Pathway has become the most photo-worthy spot after dark and leads visitors down a glittering path into the rest of the Zoo.
While community carolers fill the night with the familiar sounds of holiday songs, visitors can chase the chill away with a cup of hot cocoa or even a seasonal cocktail presented by Hotel Tango. As they stroll through the Zoo, guests can warm up by the campfires and look for hidden mistletoe for a chance to win a spectacular holiday gift — an Animal Art Adventure.
Visitors can bring old holiday lights to the Zoo’s Entry Plaza for recycling sponsored by Technology Recyclers. Christmas at the Zoo is free for Zoo members and included with regular admission. Visit the Zoo’s website for advance tickets and more information.
Photo by Cody Mattox
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