Zoo's Annual 'Jungle Bells' Celebration Begins Saturday Evening

The San Diego Zoo’s annual, three-week-long winter celebration kicks off Saturday with holiday-themed animal experiences and a nightly tree lighting.

Jungle Bells presented by Donkey Kong runs from Dec. 14 through Jan. 5. The zoo is open until 8 p.m. each night.

This year’s event features a new evening animal show, "Carols at Camp Critters," at 6:30 p.m. This show includes a variety of animals, including a cheetah, a New Guinea singing dog and a California sea lion.

Other new experiences include “Light Up the Night,” a music and light show scheduled every evening at the iconic holiday tree in the Zoo’s front plaza.

Guests can stop by Santa’s igloo for a visit and  photo. Other shows include the “Toy Shop Hop,” where Santa’s elves dance to the music as they work, and music by the Jingle Brass.

Guests can warm up with seasonal holiday treats including cookies, hot chocolate, coffee with liqueur, s’mores, fried apple and cherry pies, and specialty soups. 

Presenting sponsor Donkey Kong will be at the Zoo each weekend in December giving Zoo guests a chance to play the new Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze game before it launches in 2014. The Donkey Kong costume character will also be on hand for photo opportunities.