ZooTampa at Lowry Park will launch its annual Christmas in the Wild event on November 28, running for seventeen select nights through December 30. The event, presented by GEICO, features more than a million lights and illuminated animal sculptures. This year, Christmas in the Wild was nominated for Best Zoo Lights in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for 2024.
The zoo will offer themed areas and entertainment for families. Attractions include Holly Jolly Circle with a 30-foot tall Christmas tree synchronized to music, North Pole Lane featuring Santa and Mrs. Claus, and an expanded winter wonderland along GEICO Gecko Santa Blvd. Other highlights are the Illuminate lantern walk in Africa, a Nutcracker-themed dance party, Snowasis dining area with decorated trees and photo opportunities with Pipsy the Penguin, Gingerbread Jubilee festivities, an Ice Cavern tunnel experience, Rockin’ Wreaths DJ performances, Ticky Tacky Christmas displays at Roaring Springs, Candy Cane Carousel rides with Randolph the reindeer, Caribbean Christmas with flamingo lights and comedy shows, Africa Path carolers among animals, large illuminated animal sculptures throughout the park, and a continuous Merry and Bright Light Show.
Special animal encounters can be purchased as upgrades during event nights. Guests can also support animal welfare by donating to the zoo’s Giving Tree program.
“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,” according to event organizers.
Event dates are November 28 (members-only night), November 29; December 5-6; December 12-14; December 19-23; and December 26-30. Hours vary from 4 p.m. to either 8 p.m. or 10 p.m., depending on the date. More information about tickets is available at zootampa.org.
ZooTampa at Lowry Park is operated by an independent nonprofit organization focused on conservation and education initiatives locally and globally. The zoo has received multiple awards for its exhibits and visitor experience over recent years and operates one of only three manatee critical care centers in the United States.
