LumiNature At Philadelphia Zoo Returns Nov 20 With New Features

PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Zoo is bringing back its popular nature-inspired holiday light show LumiNature with some new features.

LumiNature opens Nov. 20 and is open most nights through Jan. 3, 2026. Hours are 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Tickets are available online here, with prices varying by visit.

This year's iteration of LumiNature will feature the grand opening of the Philly Zoo Pherris Wheel.

This new feature is a 110-foot-tall observation wheel with scenes of the more than a million twinkling lights that will fill the zoo, as well as sights of the city skyline. Guests must be at least 32 inches tall to ride with a supervising adult. Each gondola can fit up to six guests and the ride lasts about seven minutes.

Also, new for this year, and joining the more than a dozen whimsical wildlife scenes come to light, are Santa’s Lodge, a cozy indoor space with the chance to say hello to the big man himself, and Jambi’s Solstice Saloon, the spot to chill along the river.

Favorite returning illuminated displays include the Penguin Prismatic show with a 40-foot-tall penguin shining with 40,000 lights and the 25-foot-tall pink flamingo tree, made entirely out of 1,500 lawn ornament flamingos.

Visitors can also bring their old Zoo Keys, or purchase a new one at the zoo’s gift shops, to turn on the magic in select areas.

"Winter at the Zoo is different and still a wonderful time to visit," Philadelphia Zoo President & CEO Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman said. "This light show is designed for guests of all ages to connect with animals, each other, and the beauty of our planet during the holiday season. We’re really excited to have the addition of the Philly Zoo Pherris Wheel, which will stay at the Zoo through the 250th celebrations in 2026."

Highlights of this year’s event include, with added theatrical elements, in order of appearance, include:

• Flutter Flair — Marvel at a stunning 22-foot-tall tree where 4,000 butterflies have come to congregate. Use your Zoo Key to watch the tree come to life.
• The Magic Fountain — Colors and lights come to life with a turn of your Zoo Key. Plus, watch the lights dance as whimsical wildlife scenes welcome you to the adventure that lies ahead.
• Snake Awake — Follow the snake off into the adventure ahead through brilliant purples, blues and greens. Perfect your most slithery moves with a hula-hoop lesson from the very “brightest” of teachers.
• Flamingo Fancy and the Flamingo Tree — Flamingo Fancy, featuring 150,000 sparkling pink and aquamarine lights, has flamingos standing straight as can be as they approach the Zoo's iconic 25-foot-tall pink flamingo tree made entirely of 1,500 lit lawn flamingos. Even Big Blue the Gorilla is dressed for the occasion!
• Beary Sweet — Walk through a world of gummy bears, candy and sweet treats galore.
• The Penguin Prismatic Show with Pixel the Penguin — This high-energy show features a 40-foot-tall penguin glimmering with 40,000 lights to favorite winter tunes and songs that sing an ode to the city of Philadelphia.
• The Call of Adventure — Take a break and warm up inside the Zoo’s iconic Treehouse play space where you’ll step right into a tale that will prepare you for your journey ahead.
• Philadelphia Zoower — What lies in the pipes beneath the Zoo? It’s a more colorful situation than you may think! The sounds of Philly echo above as you explore the Zoower, and travel deeper into wild.
• Seasonbration — The solar system looms beautifully in the sky as colors come to life via an oversized, Earth-shaped 3D screen showing programmed lights, music, sound effects and color, all under a canopy of glowing lights. This show celebrates the 4 seasons on our planet. Plus, take a ride on the SEPTA PZ Express Train. This area is teeming with energy as performers weave through the night.
• Enchanted Fairy Forest — The Bubble Fairy greets you and grants you access to the Enchanted Fairy Forest, as you step into her bubble vortex… a privilege few humans enjoy. Walk through a more than 300-foot illuminated tunnel glowing with 4,000 lights. Will the fairies welcome you? And what of the Troll by the gate?
• Jambi’s Solstice Saloon — Sit back, relax and enjoy the grooves at this pop-up bar serving up favorite cocktails and mocktails, perfect to enjoy riverside. Indonesian pop music will fill the air as Geckos dance and poi spinners light up the night.
• River Adventure — Take a ride down the river as you gaze on a dynamic projection show highlighting the wilds of Africa.
• Arctic Trek — Bright whites and cool blues envelop you as you march through the arctic toward Santa’s Lodge.
• The Lodge — Enjoy this cozy indoor space with the chance to say hello to the big man himself. Santa invites you to join in his holiday party. Grab a drink, shop for gifts, or enjoy making some s’mores and relaxing in our outdoor lounge. Guests can also vote for their favorite holiday tree in the “Our Neck of the Woods” display. The Zoo’s closest neighborhood groups in West Philadelphia were challenged to showcase their creativity and spirit and decorate a one-of-a-kind tree inspired by the animal kingdom. Winners earn bragging rights for the year