Holiday Lights at the Bronx Zoo

On winter nights the Bronx Zoo turns into a lantern safari. Holiday Lights fills the paths with illuminated animal figures, light tunnels and displays around Astor Court, with ice-carving demonstrations, illuminated performers, a snowtube slide in the Freeze Zone and a kids' holiday train circling Fountain Circle. It is a big, cheerful, very cold evening walk, and children tend to rate it above anything on Fifth Avenue.

The 2026 run is November 21, 2026, through January 3, 2027, on select nights only. Tickets must be reserved in advance and the event runs rain or shine; an any-night ticket lets you pick your evening. New for 2026, the Children's Zoo farmyard stays open for the event, with donkeys, goats, sheep and alpacas. Arrive before dark to see some animals while it is still light, then stay as the lights come on. Dress for standing outside for hours, and take the 2 train to Pelham Parkway and walk to the Bronx River entrance rather than driving.