Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights 2026: Dates, Tickets & What’s New

Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights is one of New York’s best holiday nights out for families. After dark, the zoo fills with more than 400 glowing wildlife lanterns across six themed trails, a light show synced to music, a light tunnel, a holiday train ride, ice carvers and costumed performers.

For the 2026–27 season, the zoo is expanding the event with nighttime access to the Children’s Zoo farmyard, World of Darkness and World of Reptiles, so you can see sloths, sand cats, crocodiles and anacondas after dark. Holiday Lights tickets also now include zoo entry from 1 p.m., making it easy to turn the visit into a full day.

Quick Facts

What’s on the Holiday Lights Trail

• Lantern Safari: more than 400 animal lanterns across six themed trails, from African savanna to Asian forest.
• Light shows: a holiday tree with a synchronized music show and a walk-through light tunnel.
• Holiday train: a ride through illuminated scenes.
• Freeze Zone: snow tubing, an illuminated ice throne and snowman photo spots.
• Ice carving demonstrations and illuminated stilt walkers and performers.
• Wildlife Theater puppet shows and trivia.
• Food and drink: s’mores, hot cocoa, pretzels and seasonal drinks for adults.

New for 2026–27

The biggest change this year is late access to three indoor and animal areas: the Children’s Zoo farmyard, World of Darkness (nocturnal animals) and World of Reptiles. There is also a new music wall with instruments at Somba Village and earlier park entry from 1 p.m.

Best Nights to Go

The deal days (December 3, 10 and 17) are the cheapest nights and good value for families. Weeknights in early December are calmer than weekends. The week between Christmas and New Year’s is the busiest of the season.

Getting There

Take the 2 or 5 train to West Farms Square–East Tremont Avenue and walk about 10 minutes to the Asia Gate, or the Bx9/Bx19 bus. Metro-North’s Harlem Line to Fordham is another option. Parking is available on site for a fee.

Combine With the Holiday Train Show

The NYBG Holiday Train Show is right across Southern Boulevard. A popular plan is the train show in the early afternoon, then cross over to the zoo for Holiday Lights at dusk. For more family ideas, see our guide to Christmas in NYC with kids and the Christmas in the Bronx roundup.

Plan Your Evening

Holiday Lights tickets now include zoo entry from 1 p.m., which makes it easy to turn the visit into a full day. A typical plan:

• Early afternoon: see the zoo’s animals while it’s light.
• 4:30 p.m.: the lights switch on; start on the lantern trails near the entrance before crowds build.
• Early evening: catch the holiday tree light show, then warm up with s’mores or cocoa.
• Later: visit World of Darkness and World of Reptiles, newly open after dark for 2026–27, and ride the holiday train.

Tips for Families

• The zoo is big and the trails are long; bring a stroller or wagon for little ones.
• Dress warmly in layers. Most of the experience is outdoors, but the animal houses offer warm breaks.
• Deal days (December 3, 10 and 17) are the best value; weeknights in early December are the least crowded.
• The sensory-inclusive night (December 3) offers a calmer experience for guests who need it.
• Bring a phone for photos; the lantern safari and light tunnel are the most photogenic spots.

Getting There in Detail

Subway: the 2 or 5 to West Farms Square–East Tremont Avenue, then walk about 10 minutes to the Asia Gate.

Bus: the Bx9 and Bx19 stop near the zoo’s entrances.

Metro-North: Harlem Line to Fordham, then the Bx9 bus.

Car: on-site parking is available for a fee.

Food and Drink

Seasonal treats include hot cocoa, s’mores at The Patio and pretzels, plus beer and wine for adults. For a sit-down meal before or after, Arthur Avenue’s Italian restaurants and bakeries are a short ride away.

Compare With Other Light Shows

For a more artistic trail, see Lightscape; for handcrafted lanterns at a lower price, try the Winter Lantern Festival in Queens. All the options are in our NYC Christmas lights guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights 2026?

Select nights from November 21, 2026 to January 3, 2027: Nov 21–22, 27–29; Dec 3–6, 10–13, 17–23, 26–31; and Jan 2–3.

How much are Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights tickets?

Date-specific tickets are about $37.95 for adults and $22.95 for kids 3–12. Deal-day tickets on Dec 3, 10 and 17 are $29.95 and $14.95. Children 2 and under are free.

What time do the lights turn on?

The lights and lantern trails switch on at 4:30 p.m., and the last entry is 8 p.m. Holiday Lights tickets include zoo entry from 1 p.m.

Can I see animals at Holiday Lights?

Yes. For 2026–27, ticket holders can visit the Children’s Zoo farmyard, World of Darkness and World of Reptiles after dark.

Is Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights good for toddlers?

Yes. The animal lanterns, holiday train and light shows are popular with young children. Bring a stroller, as the trails are long.

How do I get to Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights by subway?

Take the 2 or 5 train to West Farms Square–East Tremont Avenue and walk about 10 minutes to the Asia Gate.