ZooTampa's Christmas In The Wild Celebrates Holidays Among The Animals

TAMPA, FL — The holidays return to ZooTampa during the annual Christmas in the Wild on select nights through Dec. 23 from 4 to 10 p.m. and Dec. 26 to 30 from 4 to 9 p.m.

Featuring thousands of lights across holiday-themed areas throughout the zoo, the event features new larger-than-life illuminated animal sculptures and the return of Forest of Fantasy Christmas tree light shows showcasing synchronized twinkling lights to choreographed festive music.

Christmas in the Wild boasts one of Tampa Bay’s largest light displays, holiday treats and drinks, twinkling lights, cheerful music and interactive festive shows, holiday entertainment and visits with Santa Claus.

Also enjoy winter-themed Wildlife Connections and celebrate the season with one of the ZooTampa Signature Animal Encounters.

The event is free to members and Pay-For-A-Day ticket holders. General admission tickets are $29.95. Click here for tickets.

New features and returning favorites at Christmas in the Wild include:

• Larger-than-life illuminated animal sculptures placed throughout the zoo for photo opportunities.
• The Ituri Pass walk-through will be lined with interactive light Christmas wreaths playing favorite rock ‘n’ roll versions of Christmas carols.
• Guests can enjoy a festive holiday light show playing continuously through the night in front of ZooTampa’s holiday house.
• Guests can feel nostalgic with the entire family as they’re surrounded by 32 snow-flocked Christmas trees and hanging snowflakes, making it a true winter wonderland.
• On all event nights, guests are able to make their evening even more magical by upgrading their experience with a Holiday African Penguin Encounter or a Holiday Indian Rhino Encounter featuring the opportunity to get up close to these animals.
• Join Mayor Molasses and the citizens of Gingerbread Village as they invite all guests to celebrate Christmas alongside them at a jubilee.
• The Forest of Fantasy includes two light shows that transform the zoo at sunset every 15 minutes.
• The Africa tunnel will be transformed into a winter wonderland with glowing lights.
• Roaring Springs will transform into Tacky Christmas, where holiday decorations get silly.
• Take a ride on the Candy Cane Carousel with red and white lights sprinkled all around the carousel.
• Join Randolph for some of his favorite reindeer games.
• Decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus at her shop.
• Meet with Santa and do some holiday shopping until Dec. 23 at the Twinkle Town Marketplace.
• Be immersed in the holidays under the sea as the sounds of the ocean fill the pathways of Manatee Mangrove in a Holiday Kaleidoscope.
• Transport to the Caribbean with a festive display of colorful lights.
• Guests will get into the holiday spirit through some comical improvisation at Saunders Theater.

Christmas in the Wild will take place Dec. 1-2, 8-10, 15-17, 20-23, 26-30.

Guests looking for a unique way to give back this holiday season can stop by the Giving Tree.

Funds raised will support animal enrichment, which provides physically and mentally stimulating toys, activities, and environments, helping enhance their well-being. Additionally, the Giving Tree supports ongoing veterinary care and daily nutrition needs for all of our animals, including sick, injured and orphaned manatees.