ZooTampa at Lowry Park will host its annual Christmas in the Wild event, starting November 28 and running for seventeen select nights through December 30. The event, presented by GEICO, is a holiday tradition in Tampa that features over a million lights, illuminated animal sculptures, entertainment, seasonal food, and interactive experiences. It has been nominated for USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards 2024 for Best Zoo Lights.
This year’s festivities include new elements from sponsor GEICO. Visitors can explore the GEICO Gecko Santa Blvd leading to an expanded North Pole Lane where they can meet Santa, Mrs. Claus, and elves.
“Christmas in the Wild is free for members and Zoo Fun Ticket (Pay for a Day) holders. General admission tickets after 4PM are $29.95.”
Highlights of the event include Holly Jolly Circle with a 30-foot Christmas tree and light shows; North Pole Lane featuring games with elves and cookie decorating; Illuminate in Africa with lanterns and stilt walkers; The Realm of the Nutcracker dance party; Snowasis dining area; Gingerbread Jubilee; Ice Cavern tunnel; Rockin’ Wreaths DJ area; Ticky Tacky Christmas at Roaring Springs; Candy Cane Carousel rides; Caribbean Christmas displays with flamingo lights; Africa Path carolers; larger-than-life illuminated animal sculptures throughout the zoo; Merry and Bright Light Show at the holiday house; and special Holiday Signature Encounters with penguins or rhinos.
The event takes place on select nights: November 28 (members-only), November 29, December 5-6, December 12-14, December 19-23 (from 4pm to 10pm), and December 26-30 (from 4pm to 8pm). Tickets are available online at zootampa.org.
Visitors can also support ZooTampa’s animals during the holidays by donating to the animal Giving Tree program. Donations fund enrichment activities and toys that benefit animal well-being.
ZooTampa at Lowry Park is operated by the Lowry Park Zoological Society, an independent nonprofit focused on conservation, education, and research. The zoo has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums for over three decades. It is recognized as Florida’s most attended zoological attraction and has received multiple awards from USA TODAY’s Readers’ Choice Travel Awards as well as Trip Advisor Travelers’ Choice Award thirteen times between 2010–2023. ZooTampa is one of only three U.S. facilities able to care for critically injured manatees and one of two equipped to handle orphaned calves.
More information about hours or tickets can be found at www.zootampa.org.
