Zoo Lights Holiday Celebration

Light up your holiday with a wild 21st annual Zoo Lights celebration at Denver Zoo. The holiday tradition will run nightly from December 9 through January 1, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

More than 150 animated animal sculptures will swing through trees, jump across lawns, hide in bushes and appear in places that are least expected at this year’s Zoo Lights celebration. Zoo Lights features more than 38 acres of brilliantly illuminated lights and give children the chance to visit Santa Claus.

This year’s event also promises a time like no other in Colorado. Festivities will include live animal demonstrations, carolers, instrumental groups, dancers, delicious holiday treats at warming stations throughout the zoo and the ever-popular Zoo Year’s Eve party.

Zoo Lights Special Events lineup includes: Our regular Bunk with the Beasts program lights up with holiday cheer (November 26, December 22 & 31). Enjoy the wonders of Zoo Lights at our kids-only bunk on New Year’s Eve. Explore how wild animals adapt to winter habitats and then, sleep overnight at the zoo, just like our animal residents. Sign up at denverzoo.org/education/bunkwithBeasts or 303-376-4894.

Wild Ice: See Santa’s helpers with power tools create a special ice-carving garden, filled with more animal sculptures than before. December 9–15 and December 19–22. Schedule your birthday party at Zoo Lights. Parties include a birthday party room, a private, interactive animal show and Zoo Lights admission for each guest. Sign up online or call 303-376-6725.

Celebrate Kwanzaa: Denver Zoo will celebrate this African cultural holiday with music, entertainment and activities. Because of the popularity of this event, it has been extended to five days. December 26–30.

On the brink of a New Year, children also can experience the fun of Zoo Year’s Eve, a wild New Year’s Eve party that begins at 5 p.m. on December 31 with entertainment, activities and crafts that leads up to an early 9 p.m. countdown to the New Year.

Anyone who purchases a new or gift Denver Zoo membership before December 31 will receive two complimentary passes to Zoo Lights. If your membership is not due for renewal, you can still take advantage of this offer. Renew early and your membership will be extended one year from its current expiration date.

For more information, call 303-376-4878, email memberservices@denverzoo.org or visit denverzoo.org.