Have A Wild Holiday At ZooTampa's Seasonal Event

TAMPA, FL — 'Tis the season to experience what's become a favorite holiday tradition in Tampa, Christmas in the Wild at ZooTampa Lowry Park, 1101 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa.

The family-oriented event features one of Tampa Bay's largest light displays, holiday treats and new festive activities that will connect guests with wildlife and the spirit of the season on select nights.

The event allows families to experience the zoo animals in an atmosphere of holiday cheer, complete with special animal mingles, light displays and classic holiday music with six new illuminated zones of lights.

Entry to this event is limited; advanced purchased tickets and reservations are required.

What's New At Christmas In The Wild?

ZooTampa will be illuminated with more dazzling lights and dynamic holiday displays than ever.

• The Forest of Fantasy: Watch the zoo transform at sunset when the warm glow of twinkling lights fills the night sky with two new light shows across the entire manatee circle. Shows take place every 15 minutes.
• Picture perfect spots: Pose for Instagram-worthy photos in front of many photo-op areas, like the Christmas trees soaring more than 30 feet high with thousands of dancing lights and festive ornaments.
• Ice Cavern: The Africa tunnel has been transformed into a winter wonderland this holiday season.
• Wallaroo Wrap Party: Dance with Santa's elves and join in some reindeer games with Randolph the Reindeer.
• Ticky Tacky Christmas: See the Roaring Springs transformed into Tacky Christmas, where holiday decorations get silly.
• Animal Giving Tree: Located next to the Binturong habitat, get into the holiday spirit and give gifts to the animals that call ZooTampa home. Scan a QR code to give the gift that keeps on giving.

Returning Favorites

• Candy Cane Carousel: Embark on a ride with red and white lights sprinkled all around the carousel.
• Cookie Decorating with Mrs. Claus: Every night, kids will be able to decorate cookies at Mrs. Claus' shop.
• Visit Santa at the Twinkle town marketplace: Come tell Santa what you would like for Christmas and take a photo with him.
• Kaleidoscope Tunnel: Located in the Manatee tunnel, this feature will immerse families in the holidays under the sea.
• Caribbean Christmas: Key West will transport visitors to a Caribbean Christmas with a comical Christmas improv show, "Hymn-Prov."
• Felices Dias Festivos: Deck the halls with cheerful Latino carolers singing favorite Christmas carols in English and Spanish.

Essential Details

• Christmas in the Wild runs through Dec. 30. Event nights are Dec. 3-4, 10-11 and 17-23. Hours are 4 to 10 p.m. and Dec 26.-30 from 4 to 9 p.m.
• Event capacity is limited. Date and time-specific tickets and reservations are available online.
• General admission tickets are $29.95 and can be purchased in advance online at zootampa.org.
• There's a $5 reservation fee for annual members and "Pay for a Day, Come Back All Year" ticket holders which will be reimbursed upon entry in the form of a $5 voucher valid for food and merchandise on the night of the reservation.