Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights 2026: Dates, Tickets, Lights and Events
New York City is home to many dazzling winter events, but few can match the magic of the Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights. This beloved tradition transforms one of the world’s greatest wildlife parks into a glowing winter wonderland. If you are planning a visit this season, this guide covers everything you need to know — from event dates and ticket prices to new attractions and helpful tips.
What Is the Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights Festival?
The Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights is an annual winter celebration held on the grounds of the Bronx Zoo in the Bronx, New York. The event fills the zoo’s 265 acres with millions of lights and hundreds of handcrafted animal lanterns. Families, couples, and groups of friends walk among glowing displays that celebrate wildlife from around the world.
The festival has become one of New York City’s most popular holiday events. Each year, it draws large crowds who come to enjoy the lights, seasonal food, entertainment, and the unique atmosphere of a zoo after dark. This year’s edition is bigger and better than ever, with several exciting new additions.
2026 Event Dates and Schedule
The 2026–2027 Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights runs on select dates from November 21, 2026, through January 3, 2027. The event does not run every night, so planning ahead is important.
Here is a full breakdown of the public event dates:
| Month | Event Dates |
| November 2026 | November 21–22, November 27–29 |
| December 2026 | December 3–6, December 10–13, December 17–23, December 26–31 |
| January 2027 | January 2–3 |
WCS (Wildlife Conservation Society) members get exclusive early access on two preview nights before the public opening. The Sensory-Friendly Night is scheduled for December 3, 2026, offering a calmer experience for guests with sensory sensitivities.
The lights and lantern trails turn on at 4:30 p.m. each evening. Final park entry is at 8:00 p.m. However, this year ticket holders can arrive as early as 1:00 p.m. to enjoy daytime animal viewing before the evening lights begin.
Tickets: Types, Prices, and How to Book
Tickets are required for all guests and must be booked in advance. You cannot simply show up at the gate on the night of your visit. All ticket sales are final and non-refundable.
Ticket Types
There are two main ticket options available this season:
Date-Specific Tickets — These tickets are tied to a single chosen date. Choosing a specific date often saves you money compared to the flexible option. Prices vary depending on the night you select.
Any-Night Tickets — These tickets give you the freedom to visit on any public event date during the season. They are ideal if your schedule is uncertain. Any-Night tickets cost a little more, but they offer great flexibility. You can also gift them to friends and family.
Ticket Prices
| Ticket Category | Starting Price |
| Children (ages 3–12) | From $26.95 |
| Adults | From $41.95 |
| Seniors | From $36.95 |
| Children under 2 | Free |
Taxes and fees are calculated at checkout. Members receive discounts on ticket prices. Groups of 10 or more should contact the Group Sales Department at [email protected] or call 800-433-4149 for special rates.
To book your tickets, visit BronxZoo.com/holiday-lights/tickets. It is best to book early, as popular dates — especially weekends and the week between Christmas and New Year — sell out fast.
What’s New in 2026
This year brings some of the most exciting changes in the event’s history. The 2026 festival is the most expansive edition yet, and several new experiences set it apart from previous years.
Nighttime Access to Animal Exhibits
For the first time, Holiday Lights ticket holders can visit select animal exhibits during the event. The Children’s Zoo Farmyard will stay open from 3:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. specifically for Holiday Lights guests. This is normally a seasonal exhibit that closes in winter, so this extended run is a rare opportunity.
Guests can feed and interact with goats, sheep, alpacas, donkeys, and more in a festive setting. Additionally, the World of Darkness and the World of Reptiles will remain open during the event. These warm indoor spaces let you watch nocturnal animals and reptiles up close while escaping the cold.
A True Two-in-One Experience
Because tickets now allow entry from 1:00 p.m., you get a full afternoon at the zoo followed by the evening light show. You can visit snow leopards, tigers, and bears before the lights even come on. Therefore, the value of a single ticket has increased significantly this year.
The Lights and Lanterns
The main draw of the evening is, of course, the lights. The zoo features millions of individual lights spread across its pathways and exhibit areas. The lantern displays are among the most impressive elements of the event.
Over 400 custom-designed animal lanterns line the trails throughout the park. These lanterns are crafted with remarkable detail and represent creatures from the Bronx Zoo’s collection as well as wildlife from around the globe. Walking through the lantern trails feels like stepping into a glowing storybook.
The lights turn on at 4:30 p.m. each night, and this transition from dusk to full illumination is itself a memorable moment. Many visitors plan to arrive just before this time to watch the zoo come to life as darkness falls.
Special Events and Activities
Beyond the lights and lanterns, the festival offers a variety of activities for guests of all ages.
Sensory-Friendly Night
December 3, 2026, is designated as Sensory-Friendly Night. The Bronx Zoo, in partnership with KultureCity, has designed this evening with modifications to support guests with sensory processing needs. These include reduced crowd capacity, quieter music, adjusted lighting effects, and a quieter ice carving demonstration. A Quiet Area is available indoors at the Administration West building from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
On all event nights, guests can borrow a KultureCity Sensory Bag at no charge. Bags contain fidget tools, noise-canceling headphones, and other resources. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis and must be returned by 8:30 p.m.
Holiday Train Ride
A festive holiday train runs through the grounds on event nights. This ride is available for a small additional fee of around $3 to $4 and is popular with young children. It is not included in the standard ticket price.
Seasonal Food and Entertainment
Throughout the evening, visitors will find seasonal food vendors, warm drinks, and festive treats scattered across the zoo. Holiday music plays throughout the grounds, adding to the atmosphere. Entertainment and live performances add energy to the event on select nights.
How to Get to the Bronx Zoo
The Bronx Zoo is located at 2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx, New York 10460. There are several ways to reach the venue.
By Public Transit
The BxM11 express bus is one of the most convenient options. It makes stops along Madison Avenue between 26th and 99th Streets and travels directly to the Bronx River entrance (Gate B). The fare is $6.75 per direction.
Bronx residents can take the Bx19 or Bx9 buses to Southern Blvd and 183rd Street, which leads to the pedestrian entrance at Gate C.
By Car
Parking is available at the zoo. On weekends, preferred parking in Fountain Circle costs $30. Standard parking lots are available for free for members (with valid membership card and ID). All guests should note that parking is on a first-come, first-served basis and is not guaranteed.
Tips for Planning Your Visit
A little planning goes a long way when visiting a popular winter event. Here are some practical tips to help you get the most out of your evening.
- Book tickets as early as possible. Weekend nights in December sell out quickly.
- Arrive at 1:00 p.m. if you want to enjoy the new daytime animal access before the lights turn on.
- Dress warmly in layers. The zoo is outdoors, and December evenings in New York can be very cold.
- Wear comfortable, waterproof footwear. You will be walking for two to three hours.
- Bring a portable phone charger so your battery does not die before you get that perfect lantern photo.
- Check the zoo’s website (BronxZoo.com) before your visit for any weather-related schedule changes.
- Consider a weeknight visit if you want smaller crowds. Weekends — especially the last two weeks of December — are the busiest.
About the Bronx Zoo
The Bronx Zoo is the headquarters of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and sits on 265 acres in Bronx Park. It is home to more than 11,000 animals representing over 600 species. It is one of the largest urban zoos in the world and a leader in animal welfare, veterinary care, and conservation science. The zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The 2026 Holiday Lights festival is presented by Con Edison, with Stonyfield Organic as a supporting sponsor.
Conclusion
The Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights 2026 is shaping up to be the most memorable edition of this beloved New York tradition. Running from November 21, 2026, through January 3, 2027, the festival offers something for everyone — glowing lantern trails, nighttime animal encounters, festive food, and special events like Sensory-Friendly Night. The new 2-in-1 ticket experience means visitors can enjoy a full afternoon at the zoo before the lights come on. Tickets must be booked in advance at BronxZoo.com, and popular dates will sell out. Whether you are visiting with family, friends, or a partner, this is one New York winter experience you will not want to miss.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights 2026 start and end?
The event runs on select dates from November 21, 2026, through January 3, 2027. It does not operate every night, so check the schedule before booking.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
Yes. Tickets are required and must be reserved in advance. Walk-up tickets are not available at the gate. You can book at BronxZoo.com/holiday-lights/tickets.
What time do the lights turn on?
The lights and lantern trails turn on at 4:30 p.m. each evening. Final entry into the park is at 8:00 p.m. However, ticket holders can now arrive as early as 1:00 p.m. to explore daytime exhibits.
Is there a special night for guests with sensory sensitivities?
Yes. December 3, 2026, is Sensory-Friendly Night. It features reduced capacity, quieter music, and adjusted effects. Sensory bags are also available for free on all event nights.
Can I get a refund if I need to cancel my ticket?
No. All ticket sales are final and non-refundable. If a weather event forces the zoo to close, affected guests will be issued replacement tickets for another available date.