Holidays Sparkle at the Toledo Zoo
No one makes holidays sparkle like your Toledo Zoo; it’s the area’s destination for family memories. The fun starts early and lasts all winter long! Visit the Zoo’s website,toledozoo.org, for more information about these and other upcoming events.
All Month Long
Holiday Parties – book yours today
With exotic venues and a range of catering options, your holiday party at the Zoo is tailor-made to suit your needs. Add a million-plus twinkling lights, carolers and everything else that makes the Zoo the area’s premier holiday destination, and you have a party like none other.
Dec. 1 – Dec. 31
Lights Before Christmas, presented by KeyBank
The Lights Before Christmas opens at 3 p.m. daily; closing times vary.
This year, in addition to over a million lights and 200+ illuminated animal images, plus carolers and ice-carving on selected evenings, the Zoo introduces the dynamic new Winter Playland attractions sponsored by Taylor Automotive Family. Winter Playland includes a giant rocking horse you can ride and a bigger-than-life snow globe you can step inside; activities are offered for a nominal fee (inclusive ride packages available). Learn more at toledozoo.org/lights.
Thursday, December 6
Snowzilla arrives
7 p.m.
Visitors will love this artificial ice tube slide, 30 feet tall and 90 feet long. At 7 p.m., Mark Knierim from KeyBank, longtime presenting sponsor of the Lights Before Christmas, and Jeff Sailer, executive director of the Toledo Zoo, take the first ride down the slide together. Snowzilla is part of this year’s Winter Playland activities, sponsored by Taylor Automotive Family.
Saturday, December 15
Winter Wild-land
11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Need some kid-free time to shop? Drop off your child (5-12 years) at the Zoo for a winter adventure of exciting exhibit tours, amazing animal visitors, cool crafts and goofy games. Separate fee; Toledo Zoo member discount applies.
Monday, December 24
Zoo is open 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Wrap up that last-minute shopping at your Toledo Zoo. From jewelry and apparel to animal sponsorships, plus the Zoo’s own home-made fudge and other sweets, the Zoo has just what you’re looking for. Lucas County residents get free admission with valid proof of residency.
Monday, December 31
Noon Year’s Eve, sponsored by Meijer
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
All the fun of midnight comes 12 hours early in this family-friendly event. Enjoy ice-carving, cool crafts, ReZOOlutions and, of course, watching the ball rise at 12 noon. Free with regular Zoo admission.
The Toledo Zoo is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day) and is located on the Anthony Wayne Trail (US 25), four miles south of downtown Toledo. The Lights Before Christmas runs November 16 – December 31, starting at 3pm daily; closing hours vary. For more information, please visit toledozoo.org or call 419.385.4040. Lucas County residents are admitted free of charge each Monday from 10 a.m. to noon. ID showing proof of residency is required.
The Toledo Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA). Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is building North America’s largest wildlife conservation movement.
Press Release Contact Name: Andi Norman
Press Release Contact Email: [email protected]
Organization Name: Toledo Zoo
Organization Address: Toledo, OH