Christmas at the Zoo
Through Jan 3Nov 21 – Jan 3 · 5:00 PM · Nightly Nov. 21, 2026–Jan. 3, 2027, festivities begin at 5 p.m.; closed Thanksgiving, Dec. 24, Dec. 25, Dec. 31 and Jan. 1.
Indianapolis Zoo1200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46222Directions
All ages
PaidZoo admission (price not printed on the event page)
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About this adventure
Each evening from 5 p.m. the Indianapolis Zoo becomes a lit-up winter walk: families stroll the paths under twinkling lights with hot cocoa while visiting tigers, penguins, swimming sea lions and Santa's reindeer. Inside Santa's Magic Cottage children meet Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves, look for the magic key to the North Pole, share their wishes and take photos; the cottage line closes one hour before the Zoo closes. Two sensory-friendly evenings, Wednesdays Dec. 2 and Dec. 16, lower sound, smell and lighting effects from 5 p.m., with free sensory bags at Visitor Services and quiet rooms. Seasonal food stands sell sweet and savory snacks and the Cup of Cheer hot chocolate, and bins at the main entrance collect old holiday light strings for recycling. Dress warmly; the event is mostly outdoors. The Zoo is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
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