More Than Just Holiday Lights: Elmwood Park Zoo’s Wild Lights Returns November 20 with a Full Season of Holiday Magic
The annual holiday celebration features millions of lights, Santa’s Workshop, Christmas Cows, animal encounters, character appearances, live entertainment, and more through December 30.
NORRISTOWN, Pa. (November 5, 2026) – The holiday season is about to get a whole lot brighter at Elmwood Park Zoo! Wild Lights presented by Danella returns Friday, November 20, transforming the Zoo into a dazzling winter wonderland filled with millions of twinkling lights, illuminated animals, festive entertainment, and unforgettable holiday experiences for the entire family.
But Wild Lights is much more than your traditional walk-through holiday light display.
Running on select evenings through December 30, Wild Lights brings together many of the season’s favorite traditions in one destination. From visiting Santa in his workshop and decorating cookies with Mrs. Claus to meeting the Zoo’s beloved Christmas Cows, enjoying live animal encounters, and singing along with favorite holiday characters, guests can experience an entire evening of holiday fun without ever leaving the Zoo.
“Wild Lights has become such a special holiday tradition for families throughout our region, and we want guests to know that there’s so much more to experience than just the lights,” said Al Zone, CEO of Elmwood Park Zoo. “You can visit Santa, meet our Christmas Cows, enjoy animal encounters, watch live performances, and make an entire evening out of celebrating the season together. Our goal is to create a place where families can experience all their favorite holiday traditions, while making some new memories along the way.”
Throughout the event, guests can explore illuminated pathways, discover larger-than-life animal-themed light displays, enjoy festive food and drinks, and take part in a rotating lineup of entertainment and special activities that make every visit unique.
A Holiday Experience for Everyone
Whether it’s a family’s annual visit with Santa, a festive night out with friends, or a new holiday tradition, Wild Lights offers something for guests of all ages.
Highlights of this year’s Wild Lights include:
> Millions of Holiday Lights: Stroll through the Zoo as dazzling light displays, illuminated animals, and festive decorations transform the grounds into a glowing winter wonderland.
> Santa’s Workshop presented by Atlantis Tile and Marble: Santa Claus will be on hand every evening through December 23, welcoming families into his workshop for holiday wishes and memorable photo opportunities.
> Christmas Cows presented by KeyBank: Meet Scooby and Shaggy, the Zoo’s miniature Highland cows, dressed for the holidays! These special meet-and-greet experiences offer guests an opportunity to get up close with two of the Zoo’s most adorable residents.
> Cookies with Mrs. Claus presented by Bredenbeck’s Bakery: Add a little sweetness to the evening with a special cookie-decorating experience alongside Mrs. Claus, available on select dates.
> Live Animal Encounters: The holiday magic isn’t limited to the lights! Guests can meet some of the Zoo’s animal ambassadors during special evening encounters and learn more about the incredible wildlife that calls Elmwood Park Zoo home.
> Holiday Character Greets and Performances: From Mickey Mouse and the Grinch to Elsa sing-alongs and other familiar favorites, special character appearances and performances will bring additional excitement to select evenings throughout the season.
> Dog-Friendly Sundays presented by Livewell Animal Hospital: Four-legged family members can join the holiday fun on Sunday evenings! Guests are invited to bring their dogs along to experience the festive lights together, with separate dog admission required.
> Live Music and Entertainment presented by TD Bank: Enjoy an ever-changing lineup of live music, holiday performances, and seasonal entertainment throughout the Zoo.
> Festive Food and Drinks: Warm up with hot chocolate, seasonal treats, and delicious refreshments, while adults can enjoy specialty holiday cocktails and beverages at ZooBrew.
> Family-Friendly Attractions: Make the evening even more memorable with rides on the Zoo’s carousel and barrel train, along with additional activities throughout the grounds.
Plan Your Visit to Wild Lights
Wild Lights presented by Danella will operate on select evenings from November 20 through December 30, 2026 from 5:00 to 9:00 PM at Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown, Pennsylvania.
The Zoo and Wild Lights will be closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
Tickets are available online, with discounted admission offered to Elmwood Park Zoo Yearly Members. Children ages two and under receive free admission. Select activities and special experiences require an additional purchase.
Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance and review the entertainment schedule, as character appearances, performances, and select holiday experiences vary by date.
For tickets, the full entertainment schedule, and additional event information, visit www.elmwoodparkzoo.org/wildlights/.
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ABOUT ELMWOOD PARK ZOO
Elmwood Park Zoo, located in Norristown, Pennsylvania, is home to a diverse collection of species from around the world and is dedicated to wildlife conservation, education, and providing memorable guest experiences. Open year-round, the Zoo offers up-close animal encounters, interactive exhibits, and family-friendly attractions including the Zoo Brew Beer Garden, a carousel, and seasonal events. Through hands-on learning opportunities and community programming, Elmwood Park Zoo inspires guests of all ages to connect with wildlife and the natural world. For more information, visit www.elmwoodparkzoo.org
Wild Lights
Elmwood Park Zoo’s favorite family tradition, Wild Lights presented by Danella, is back with more lights and decorative attractions than ever before! During this walk-through experience, guests will be surrounded by dazzling light displays, illuminated animals and live entertainment.
Wild Lights operates on select evenings from 5 pm to 9 pm, November 20 through December 30. Wild Lights tickets are valid beginning at 5 pm. The Zoo and Wild Lights will be closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. Wild Lights is held rain or shine.
WE CANNOT ACCEPT ANY FREE ZOO ADMISSION TICKETS OR COUPONS FOR SPECIAL EVENTS, INCLUDING WILD LIGHTS. MEMBERS, INCLUDING COMMUNITY PASS (PREVIOUSLY KNOWN AS ORGANIZATION MEMBERSHIP) CARD HOLDERS, MUST PURCHASE SEPARATE WILD LIGHTS TICKETS. TICKETS TO WILD LIGHTS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.
Elmwood Park Zoo Introduces the Newest Holiday Stars of Wild Lights: The Christmas Cows presented by KeyBank
NORRISTOWN, PA — Elmwood Park Zoo is adding a brand-new dose of holiday magic to Wild Lights presented by Danella with the debut of its newest festive attraction: The Christmas Cows presented by KeyBank. Guests will have the chance to meet Scooby and Shaggy, the Zoo’s adorable miniature highland cows, who will be all dressed up in their most charming holiday gear for the season.
“KeyBank is excited to sponsor Elmwood Park Zoo’s Christmas Cows for this year’s Wild Lights experience,” said KeyBank Eastern Pennsylvania Market President Youseff Tannous. “Visiting these festive miniature highland cows is such a unique and whimsical way to celebrate the holiday season, and we’re so glad we can be a part of creating lasting memories for families in our community.”
This enchanted, up-close encounter invites visitors to step into a wintery barnyard moment and snap the perfect photo—these handsome bovine brothers are destined to become the stars of your annual holiday card.
Meet & Greets are available every night of Wild Lights for $15 for groups up to six and $20 for groups of seven or more. Guests can add the experience when purchasing Wild Lights tickets online or at the Zoo.
To purchase Wild Lights tickets and for more attractions during this year’s event, visit EPZWildLights.com
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NOVEMBER 6, 2025 – Festive holiday vibes come to the furry, fuzzy and feathered residents of the Elmwood Park Zoo. The Montco zoo shines bright during the holiday season, with millions of LED lights illuminating the attraction’s 16 acres during Wild Lights.
Elmwood Park Zoo’s Wild Lights Returns — Brighter, Bigger, and More Magical Than Ever
NORRISTOWN, PA – Elmwood Park Zoo’s most dazzling holiday tradition is back — and brighter than ever. Wild Lights presented by Danella, the Zoo’s beloved seasonal spectacular, returns on select nights from November 21 through December 30, transforming the zoo grounds into a winter wonderland filled with millions of twinkling lights, illuminated animals, and festive cheer for the whole family.
The Zoo is proud to announce Danella Companies, Inc., as the new presenting sponsor of Wild Lights, entering into a multi-year partnership that will illuminate the zoo and the community for years to come.
“This event has become a cherished family tradition for so many in our community,” said Al Zone, Executive Director and CEO of Elmwood Park Zoo. “We’re thrilled to welcome Danella as our new presenting sponsor in a partnership that reflects its shared commitment to community, family, and local pride. Each year we aim to make Wild Lights even more magical, and this season we’re pulling out all the stops with more lights, more animals, and more ways to celebrate together.”
Jim Danella, Founder and CEO of Danella Companies, Inc., echoed that excitement: “Elmwood Park Zoo has been a cornerstone of our community for generations, creating unforgettable experiences for families across the region. We’re proud to support such a beloved local institution and to help light up the holidays through this partnership.”
Guests will stroll through a glowing landscape of color and creativity, with more lights and new decorative attractions than ever before. From the moment they arrive, visitors will be greeted by a towering holiday tree at the entrance, sponsored by Harmony Wealth Management and Saul Ewing LLP, setting the stage for an evening of wonder and holiday spirit.
New and Returning Highlights Include:
– Millions of Lights on Display: Experience a breathtaking journey through the zoo’s illuminated pathways, filled with animal-shaped displays and five sparkling light tunnels that immerse guests in shimmering color.
– *New* Christmas Cows presented by KeyBank: Get up close with the zoo’s brand new adorable mini Highland cows in a special meet-and-greet area — a perfect photo opportunity for animal lovers of all ages.
– Santa’s Workshop presented by Atlantis Tile & Marble: Capture holiday memories with a visit from Santa Claus, available for festive family photos.
– Cookies with Mrs. Claus presented by Bredenbeck’s Bakery: Enjoy a cozy cookie break and storytime with Mrs. Claus, including interactive cookie decorating.
– ZooBrew: Celebrate the season with specialty Tito’s holiday cocktails and seasonal beverages, available nightly.
– Animal Meet & Greets: Meet some of the zoo’s incredible ambassador animals up close.
– Carousel Rides: Take a spin on the Zoo Carousel, beautifully decorated for the season and open throughout Wild Lights.
– Live Entertainment: Delight in music, performances, and surprise appearances.
– Dog Nights: Don’t forget to bring your furry family member along for your adventure at Wild Lights—available every Sunday night. Share the experience with your dog, who can even pose for a photo with Santa.
Guests are encouraged to dress for the weather and plan for an evening of exploration, photo opportunities, and festive fun. Elmwood Park Zoo’s animal habitats will be illuminated throughout the park, offering a rare chance to see the zoo come alive at night. More information at EPZWildLights.com
Ticketing Information
Yearly Zoo Members
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- Ages 13 and up: Adult Admission, $13.47 online / $13.98 onsite
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- Child Admission: Ages 3-12, $12.47 online / $12.98 onsite
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- Baby Admission: Ages 0-2, $0.00
Non-Members
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- Ages 13 and up: Adult Admission, $26.95 online / $27.95 onsite
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- Child Admission: Ages 3-12, $23.95 online / $24.95 onsite
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- Baby Admission: Ages 0-2, $0.00
Anytime Admission
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- Visit Wild Lights without the need to select a specific date or time with our flexible Anytime Admission. Anytime Admission, $32.95 for all ages, can be used during any Wild Lights date and time listed on the calendar below. Tickets must be redeemed by December 30, 2025.
PhillyVoice: Wild Lights will transform Elmwood Park Zoo into a festive night experience
NOVEMBER 3, 2025 – Elmwood Park Zoo will once again glow with holiday lights when Wild Lights returns, bringing illuminated pathways, themed displays and seasonal activities to Norristown. The after-hours event fills the zoo with millions of lights that brighten trees, exhibits and walkways, creating a colorful backdrop for visitors to explore.