ZooTampa at Lowry Park will host its annual Christmas in the Wild event starting November 28 and running on select nights through December 30. The holiday celebration, presented by GEICO, features over a million lights, illuminated animal sculptures, entertainment, seasonal food offerings, and interactive activities for visitors.
The event was nominated for USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards 2024 for Best Zoo Lights. This year includes expanded attractions from sponsor GEICO, such as the GEICO Gecko Santa Blvd leading to an enhanced North Pole Lane where guests can meet Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and elves.
Admission is free for members and Pay for a Day ticket holders. General admission after 4 p.m. costs $29.95 and tickets are available online at zootampa.org.
Christmas in the Wild highlights include themed areas like Holly Jolly Circle with a choreographed light show on a 30-foot tree; North Pole Lane with holiday treats and activities; Ituri Pass in Africa transformed into Illuminate with lanterns and performances; The Realm of the Nutcracker dance party; Snowasis dining area featuring decorated trees; Gingerbread Jubilee festivities; Ice Cavern tunnel experience; Rockin’ Wreaths DJ dance zone; Ticky Tacky Christmas at Roaring Springs; Candy Cane Carousel rides; Caribbean Christmas displays with flamingo lights and live shows; Africa Path carolers among animals; larger-than-life illuminated animal sculptures throughout the zoo; Merry and Bright Light Show outside ZooTampa’s holiday house; and optional Holiday Signature Encounters with penguins or rhinos.
The event takes place from November 28 (members-only night), November 29, December 5-6, December 12-14, December 19-23 (from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.), and December 26-30 (from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.). Guests are also encouraged to contribute to the animal Giving Tree to support enrichment activities for ZooTampa’s animals.
ZooTampa at Lowry Park operates as an independent nonprofit organization focused on conservation, education, and research. It is recognized as Florida’s most attended zoological attraction and has received accolades including USA TODAY’s “Best Zoos” awards and Trip Advisor Travelers’ Choice Award thirteen times since 2010. The zoo plays a significant role in wildlife rehabilitation—one of only three U.S. locations able to treat critically injured manatees—and supports global conservation programs through its ZT Saves initiative.
