Walk through more than one million bright and dazzling tree lights, see a 26-foot-tall LED holiday tree, and enjoy animal appearances and appearances by Santa at this fun holiday event.

For an additional charge kids can also bring letters to Santa, participate in Digital Hunt Snowman's River Boat Rides, enjoy hot chocolate and cookies, and purchase items from the Zoo gift shop.

Schedule of Events:

• Opening Night & Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, November 24, 2023

  • Tree lighting 7:00 pm

  • Yuletide Carolers

• More than one million bright and dazzling tree lights.

• A 26-foot-tall LED holiday tree

• Appearances by Santa from 6:30 pm - 10:00 pm until December 23, 2023

• Appearances by Grinch from 6:30 p.m. - 10:00 pm

• Animal appearances at 7:00 pm, 7:30 pm, 8:00 pm, and 8:30 pm (next to rentals)

• Canine Champions for Conservation presentations at 7:30 pm & 8:30 pm

• Zoo Squad appearances

• Stilt walkers 

• Themed photo spots

• Arts & crafts** (limited space available)

• Letter to Santa**(limited space available)

• Each Friday night, Mote Marine Laboratory scientists are on site helping guests cut real coral into small fragments to eventually plant into Florida’s Coral Reef in Key Largo

• Guests are also be able to color their own “coral” ornaments to hang on “coral trees” in the plaza and make a pledge to protect our oceans.

• Snowman's River Boat Rides* ($5 per person - last ride at 9:30 pm

• Hot chocolate and cookies*

• Holiday Shopping at the Zoo Gift Shop*

• *Additional fees apply
  **Limited capacity

Check out our full list of South Florida's top holiday light displays!