The largest metropolitan zoo in the U.S. is transforming into a glowing wonderland of 400+ animal lanterns, and for the first time, you can see sloths and crocodiles after dark

Save

Share

Corey Fuller

 –  Staff Writer

 ·  November 12, 2026

Add us as a preferred source

The Bronx Zoo is about to look very different after sunset!

Starting Nov. 21, the 265-acre zoo is transforming into a glowing wonderland of more than 400 animal lanterns, and this year, for the first time, Holiday Lights guests can head inside some of its animal houses after dark.

That means you can spot sloths and sand cats in the nocturnal World of Darkness, come face to face with crocodiles and anacondas in the reptile house, and pet alpacas and goats in the Children’s Zoo, all while the rest of the park twinkles away outside.

Already shaping up to be one of NYC’s top Christmas experiences, it all kicks off in just a matter of weeks.

We have all of the details about this year’s rendition before it sells out.

Sloths, crocodiles and alpacas after dark

According to the Wildlife Conservation Society, this is the festival’s “most expansive offering yet.”

Three spots stay open at night for the first time this season:

• World of Darkness: the zoo’s reverse light cycle exhibit, home to night owls like sloths and sand cats. It only reopened in 2025 after being closed for 16 years.
• World of Reptiles: crocodiles, anacondas, giant river turtles and plenty of amphibians.
• Children’s Zoo Farmyard: decked out for the holidays, with donkeys, sheep, goats and alpacas you can feed and pet.

“We’re proud to now offer access to select exhibits during Holiday Lights,” said Craig Piper, director of the Bronx Zoo.

400+ lanterns across six trails

The main event is the Lantern Safari: more than 400 glowing wildlife lanterns spread across six trails, each themed around a different part of the world.

You’ll wander through Africa, Asia, North America, Latin America and the Ocean before finishing in the extra-vibrant Forest of Color.

Along the way, there’s plenty more to keep everyone busy:

• A towering holiday tree with synchronized musical light shows, plus a Light Tunnel
• A Freeze Zone with snow tubing, an illuminated ice throne and snowman photo ops
• The Holiday Train ($4), ice carving demos and Friday night carving competitions
• A new Music Wall at Somba Village, s’mores at The Patio and plenty of seasonal treats

New this year, Holiday Lights tickets also let you into the zoo from 1 pm, so you can catch the snow leopards, tigers and bears in daylight before the lanterns switch on.

When to go and how to get tickets

Holiday Lights runs on select nights from Nov. 21 through Jan. 3.

The lights come on at 4:30 pm, and last entry is at 8 pm.

There’s also a sensory-friendly session on Dec. 4.

The dates to know:

• November: 21 to 22 and 27 to 29
• December: 3 to 6, 10 to 13, 17 to 23 and 26 to 31
• January: 2 to 3

The Bronx Zoo is at 2300 Southern Boulevard, and the closest subway stop is Bronx Park East on the 2 and 5 lines.

🎟️ Tickets start at $38 for adults and $23 for kids aged 3 to 12, with no booking fees, and are available here.

Don’t miss out! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and now on WhatsApp, too!