The Bronx Zoo transforms into one of New York City’s most magical winter destinations every holiday season. This year, the experience is bigger and better than ever. The 2026 edition of Holiday Lights runs on select dates from November 21, 2026, through January 3, 2027, and it brings something brand new to the table — nighttime access to live animal exhibits. Whether you are planning a family trip, a date night, or a festive outing with friends, here is everything you need to know before you go.
What Is Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights?
Holiday Lights is the Bronx Zoo’s signature winter event. Guests walk through 265 acres of the zoo, surrounded by millions of glowing lights, illuminated lanterns, and animated displays. The event celebrates wildlife and the holiday season at the same time. It is operated by the Wildlife Conservation Society, which manages the zoo and several other parks across New York City.
Each year, the event draws large crowds, and for good reason. The lights are spectacular, the atmosphere is festive, and the experience feels unlike anything else in the city. Additionally, 2026 marks the first time that Holiday Lights has incorporated open animal exhibits into the evening program, making it a true two-in-one adventure.
2026 Event Dates
Holiday Lights does not run every night during the winter season. Instead, it operates on select dates. Below is the full schedule for 2026 and 2027.
| Month | Operating Dates |
| November 2026 | 21–22, 27–29 |
| December 2026 | 3–6, 10–13, 17–23, 26–31 |
| January 2027 | 2–3 |
Note: December 3, 2026, is a special Sensory-Friendly Night, designed for guests with sensory sensitivities. Modified experiences will be available. Contact guestrelations@wcs.org for full details on what that night includes.
Hours of Operation
The event operates from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM on all scheduled dates. However, there are some important time-based details to keep in mind.
| Time | What Happens |
| 1:00 PM | Park opens; daytime animal exhibits accessible |
| 3:00 PM | Children’s Zoo Farmyard opens for Holiday Lights guests |
| 4:00 PM | Most daytime animal exhibits close |
| 4:30 PM | Lantern trails and light displays switch on |
| 8:00 PM | Last entry into the park |
| 8:30 PM | Children’s Zoo Farmyard and indoor animal exhibits close |
| 9:00 PM | Event ends |
This schedule means guests who arrive at 1:00 PM get the most value for their ticket. They can enjoy daytime zoo animals, then transition smoothly into the full light show experience as the evening begins.
Ticket Prices and How to Buy
All tickets must be purchased online in advance. No tickets are sold at the gate. This applies to everyone, including WCS Members. Visit BronxZoo.com/holiday-lights/tickets to see available dates and book your spot.
Date-Specific Tickets
| Guest Type | Standard Nights | Deal Days (Dec 3, 10, 17) |
| Adult | $37.95 | $29.95 |
| Child (ages 3–12) | $22.95 | $14.95 |
| Senior | $32.95 | $24.95 |
| Children under 3 | Free | Free |
ANY-NIGHT Tickets
For guests who prefer flexibility, ANY-NIGHT Tickets are available at a slightly higher price. These allow entry on any public operating date without needing to commit to a specific night in advance.
| Guest Type | Price |
| Adult | $42.95 |
| Child (ages 3–12) | $27.95 |
| Senior | $37.95 |
ANY-NIGHT Tickets are also great gift options for the holiday season. You can purchase them for friends and family members who can then choose their own date.
Discounts Available
Several discount options are worth knowing about:
- WCS Members receive up to 25% off regular-priced tickets. Zoos-level members and above get free access on Member Preview Days.
- Active military and veterans can get a free Date-Specific ticket for themselves, plus 50% off for up to three guests. Use promo code MILITARYBZ or VETERANBZ at checkout.
- NYC undergraduate college students save 30% off Date-Specific Tickets. Use promo code NYCCOLLEGE. Valid student ID required.
- Groups of 10 or more can contact WCS Group Sales at wcsgroupsales@wcs.org or 800-433-4149 for special group rates.
New for 2026: Live Animal Exhibits After Dark
This is the most exciting update to the festival in recent years. For the first time, Holiday Lights guests can visit live animal exhibits as part of the same evening visit.
Children’s Zoo Farmyard
The Children’s Zoo Farmyard is open exclusively for Holiday Lights guests from 3:00 PM to 8:30 PM. This exhibit is normally closed in winter, so its inclusion is a major bonus. Guests can feed and pet donkeys, sheep, goats, alpacas, and more in a cozy, festively decorated setting. It is a perfect stop for families with young children.
World of Darkness
The recently rebuilt nocturnal house is open throughout the event, until 8:30 PM. Inside, guests can observe animals that are naturally active at night, including a sloth. The cool, dim environment inside actually pairs well with the chilly winter evening outside.
World of Reptiles
The World of Reptiles also stays open through the night. It offers a warm indoor environment where guests can observe lizards, snakes, and other reptiles up close. Therefore, this is also a great spot to warm up mid-visit.
Daytime Animal Exhibits
Guests who arrive at 1:00 PM can also visit many regular daytime exhibits, including areas that feature snow leopards, tigers, and bears. However, these close at 4:00 PM, so early arrival is key if you want the full experience.
The Light Displays and Lantern Trails
The lights switch on at 4:30 PM each evening, and from that moment, the zoo becomes a completely different world. Hundreds of glowing displays line the pathways throughout the park. Illuminated lanterns depict animals and nature scenes with incredible artistry and detail, representing species from around the world as well as wildlife conservation projects that the WCS supports globally.
The scale of the display is hard to overstate. Millions of energy-efficient LED lights power the entire event, making it one of the greener large-scale light shows of its kind in the Northeast. The trails are designed to guide visitors through different themed zones, each with its own look and feel.
Entertainment, Activities, and Things to Do
Beyond the lights and animals, there is a full lineup of entertainment and activities throughout the evening.
- Ice sculpting demonstrations run until 8:30 PM, with sculptures available for viewing until the event closes at 9:00 PM.
- Wildlife Theater presents holiday-themed performances, including a show called “Bah Hum Bug,” a musical tribute featuring three holiday spirits — a clever, creepy-crawly spin on a classic tale.
- Animal trivia and bingo games are available for guests looking to test their knowledge and win prizes.
- A holiday carousel offers an additional attraction for families.
- The Holiday Train ride is a perennial favorite and is available for an extra fee.
Expect the visit to take approximately two to three hours, though guests who arrive at 1:00 PM and stay through the full evening may easily spend four to five hours at the park.
Food and Shopping
The Dancing Crane Café will be open during all Holiday Lights operating hours, offering a variety of standard and seasonal food options. Additional food stands and carts may also be available, depending on the weather. Seasonal treats and warm beverages are typically part of the menu.
The Bronx Zoo Store will also be open throughout the event. Additional gift carts and stands may be set up around the park on select nights. Souvenir cups and ornaments are available for purchase and can be redeemed at designated locations within the park.
Sensory-Friendly Night: December 3, 2026
The Bronx Zoo, in partnership with KultureCity, offers a dedicated Sensory-Friendly Night on December 3. This night includes modifications to the standard program to create a more comfortable environment for guests with sensory sensitivities.
On all other nights, guests can also check out a KultureCity Sensory Bag free of charge, which includes fidget tools, noise-canceling headphones, and other resources. A Quiet Area is available from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM inside the Administration West building, near the Sea Lion Pool.
Getting There
Entry for Holiday Lights is only through two gates: the Bronx River Gate and the Southern Boulevard Gate. The Asia Gate and Fordham Road Gate are closed for the event.
By Car
Parking is available at both entrances. Fees are $22 for cars and $24 for buses at the Southern Boulevard entrance. Parking is first-come, first-served and is not guaranteed.
By Public Transit
- The BxM11 express bus runs from Madison Avenue (stops between 26th and 99th Streets) directly to the Bronx River entrance. Return service departs from the same location.
- For an ADA-accessible route, take the No. 2 train to Pelham Parkway. The station has three elevators. Head west to the Bronx River entrance (Gate B).
By Rideshare or Taxi
The Southern Boulevard pedestrian entrance, located between 183rd and 185th Streets, is the most convenient drop-off and pick-up point for rideshare services.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit
A little planning goes a long way when visiting this event. Here are some practical suggestions:
- Arrive at 1:00 PM to take full advantage of the daytime exhibits before the lights turn on.
- Wear warm, layered clothing. The park is entirely outdoors, except for the indoor animal exhibits.
- Book tickets early, especially for peak nights like December 20–23 and December 31. Popular dates sell out in advance.
- Use the BronxZoo.com/holidaymap mobile site for a real-time map and event schedule while in the park.
- If you have a child under 3, they enter for free, which is a great saving on already affordable family tickets.
- Check the weather before you go. While the event runs rain or shine, some outdoor activities may be affected by severe conditions.
Conclusion
The Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights 2026 festival is shaping up to be the most exciting edition yet. Running from November 21, 2026, to January 3, 2027, the event combines millions of glowing lights, stunning lantern displays, festive entertainment, and now live animal encounters into one unforgettable winter night out. With the Children’s Zoo Farmyard, World of Darkness, and World of Reptiles all open into the evening, guests can truly experience the magic of the zoo in a whole new way. Tickets must be booked online in advance, discounts are available for various groups, and the event offers something for every type of visitor. Whether you are a longtime New Yorker or visiting the city for the holidays, this is one seasonal experience that belongs on your calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to buy tickets in advance for Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights 2026?
Yes. All tickets must be purchased online before your visit. No tickets are sold at the park entrance. This applies to all guests, including WCS Members. Visit BronxZoo.com/holiday-lights/tickets to book.
What time do the lights turn on at Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights?
The lights and lantern trails officially turn on at 4:30 PM each evening. However, the park opens at 1:00 PM, allowing guests to explore daytime animal exhibits before the illuminated displays begin.
Is the Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights experience suitable for young children?
Yes, it is very family-friendly. Children under 3 enter for free. The Children’s Zoo Farmyard, carousel, and animal encounters are especially popular with young visitors. Keep in mind that some areas feature strobe lights, fog, and low visibility, so parents should use discretion for very young or sensitive children.
Can I change my Holiday Lights ticket date if my plans change?
All ticket sales are final and non-refundable. However, you can upgrade a Date-Specific Ticket to an ANY-NIGHT Ticket for $15 per ticket (or $10 for WCS Members). Contact 800-433-4149 for general tickets or 718-220-5112 for member tickets to request the upgrade, subject to availability.
Are there discounts for military members or students at Holiday Lights 2026?
Yes. Active military and veterans can receive a free ticket for themselves plus 50% off for up to three guests using promo codes at checkout. NYC undergraduate college students can save 30% off Date-Specific Tickets with a valid college ID. Both offers require advance reservation and are not available for ANY-NIGHT Tickets.
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