Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens kicks off 6th annual ZOOLights

Jacksonville, Fl. — The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens will be celebrating the holidays with the wildest event in North Florida.

During ZOOLights, the Zoo transforms into a lighted wonderland with hundreds of twinkling LED lights wrapped around trees, moving sculptures, and displays throughout the 8-acre park.

"We have lighted train rides, Santa Claus comes out, we have smores' areas and warm-weather ice-skating," says JJ Vitale with the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens.

The Zoo will also have a unique holiday experience from Giraffe Overlook with giraffe figurines, dancing palm trees in the Range of the Jaguar, under the sea sculptures at the Stingray Bay.

Not only will the glowing lights and hot chocolate warm you up at ZOOLights, guests are also encouraged to participate and dress up for the Zoo's themed nights. Click here for the list of the themed nights. 

The Zoo will also have live entertainment as they bring in top regional performers. The line-up includes Dalton Cyr, Kalani Rose, Jacksonville Children’s Chorus, LaVilla of the Arts and more.

ZOOLights is presented by Community First Credit Union. You can enjoy the lights from December 8th -10th and 15th – January 6th the Zoo will be closed on Christmas Days. The Zoo will continue to have regular park hours each day, closing at 5 p.m. and re-opening at 6 p.m.

Admission starts at $8 for members, $10 for non-members, and children ages two and younger. Parking will be free.