Christmas in the Wild

LIGHTS, LIGHTS, & MORE LIGHTS

A FLURRY OF FUN FOR EVERYONE

Select Nights in December

String of Christmas lights

It’s the most wonderful time of the year at ZooTampa with the return of Christmas in the Wild, featuring one of Tampa Bay’s largest light displays, delectable holiday treats, amazing wildlife and new festive adventures. This year is BIGGER, better, and brighter than ever, with festive entertainment that the whole family will enjoy.

ZooTampa Members and Pay For A Day ticket holders get free admission to seasonal events like Christmas in the Wild.

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CHRISTMAS IN THE WILD ADMISSION

ZooTampa Members' Tickets
FREE*
Make Reservations
Pay for a Day Ticket
FREE*
Make Reservations
General Admission Event tickets
$29.95 after 4PM
Get My Tickets
*The reservation fee for ZooTampa members and Pay For A Day ticket holders is $5 per person which will be reimbursed upon entry in the form of a $5 per person voucher valid for dining and merchandise purchases valid for that day only. Pay for Day, Come Back All Year” tickets holders may only purchase reservations for themselves.
Click here to request changes to an existing reservation

MAKE YOUR EXPERIENCE MORE MAGICAL

Holiday Signature Animal Encounters
Add more WILD to the season with our Holiday Signature Encounters. On all event nights, you can meet a member of our penguin colony or get up-close with our amazing Indian rhino family. PLUS when you purchase a Holiday Signature Encounter, you can enter Christmas in the Wild as early as 4pm!
Members' Add-On
Non-Member Add-On
Guest must have a Christmas in the Wild ticket to participate in all Holiday Signature Encounters. Holiday African Penguin Encounter will be offered on event nights only at 4:45pm and 5pm. Holiday Indian Rhino Encounter will be offered on event nights only at 6pm. Separate ticket required for all encounters. Guests must be ages 5 and up and children 5-17 must be accompanied by an adult.
Breakfast with Santa Saturday, 12/10
Have a jolly good time with Santa, his friends Pippsy Penguin and Sam the Snowman from the North Pole, and his Florida helpers, Manny T and Flora! Celebrate the season with a festive breakfast that is sure to create magical memories for the entire family with special meet and greets, one-of-a-kind animal interactions, and photo opportunities!
SOLD OUT
Start a new Christmas tradition with Holiday Breakfast with Santa at ZooTampa! Stay tuned for details on the delectable special menu!

ZooTampa and Christmas in the Wild admission is not included with the Holiday Breakfast with Santa. ZooTampa members and Pay for a Day ticket holders are welcome to explore the Zoo after the event. Need admission to ZooTampa? Click here to purchase Zoo admission or become a Member.

Doors will open at 8:30am and will conclude at 10am. Seating is first-come, first-served. This is a rain or shine event and will take place outdoors under our Saunders Pavilion.Photos will be available for purchase, but guests are welcome to take photos with their own devices.

For dietary restrictions and other special requests, please contact our Guest Engagement team at GuestEngagement@ZooTampa.org.

Event DAtes

String of Christmas lights

EXPERIENCE CHRISTMAS AT THE ZOO WITH:

Cheerful Realms

Experience the magic of the holiday with immersive realms full of twinkling lights, cheerful music, and joyous surprises.

Merry Shows

Holiday cheer is everywhere with fun and interactive family shows and festive entertainment throughout the Zoo.

Jolly Animal Experiences

Celebrate the season with some unique and holiday-theme animal experiences throughout the Zoo.

Festive Treats & Drinks

Indulge in tasty treats and delicious drinks as you experience twinkling lights and joyful entertainment.
String of Christmas lights

A YEAR OF ADVENTURE AWAITS

Give a gift that’s WILD! ZooTampa Memberships are the perfect gift for the adventure-seekers in your life. As a Member, your loved ones can visit again and again and make unforgettable connections with wildlife and each other!