This year’s event, which runs between Nov. 29 and Dec. 23, features three brand new exhibits, “The Realm of the Nutcracker,” “Mrs. Claus Storytime” and “The Forest of Fantasy,” along with animal sculptures all throughout the park.
Other classic exhibits include “Rockin’ Wreath,” the “Snowasis,” “Gingerbread Jubilee” and more.
Here’s what else is new and returning from ZooTampa:
New this year at Christmas in the Wild:Returning Holiday Favorites:
- The Realm of the Nutcracker: The holiday classic story, cherished by audiences of all ages, comes to life during a modern dance party featuring Clara, the Nutcracker, Rat King, and the sugarplum fairies.
- Mrs. Claus Storytime: Create unforgettable memories with the first lady of the North Pole as she reads Christmas stories and sings Christmas carols.
- The Forest of Fantasy: Four dazzling light shows transform the Zoo with twinkling lights and festive music. Shows are every 15 minutes and feature snow and special appearances by the Snow Queen and her dancing snow fairies. We added two new shows.
- More larger-than-life illuminated animal sculptures: A wildlife journey in lights will be placed throughout the Zoo for beautiful photo opportunities for guests of all ages. New additions include a manatee and her calf, a flamingo family, penguins and much more.
- Rockin’ Wreath: Ituri Pass walk-through will be lined with interactive Christmas wreaths and rocking Christmas tunes.
- Snowasis: Guests can feel nostalgic with the entire family as they’re surrounded by dozens of snow flocked Christmas trees and illuminated holiday kaleidoscope images above making it a true winter wonderland.
- Gingerbread Jubilee: Join Mayor Molasses and the citizens of Gingerbread Village as they invite all guests to celebrate Christmas alongside them at an unforgettable jubilee.
- Ice Cavern: The Africa tunnel transforms into a winter wonderland. Have your camera ready to remember the moment you step inside the cavern surrounded by glowing lights and the occasional snowstorm.
- Ticky Tacky Christmas: Roaring Springs transforms into a land of tacky, where holiday decorations get silly, and the Tinsley Sisters put on a show.
- Candy Cane Carousel: Embark on an unforgettable ride with red and white lights sprinkled all around the carousel for a candy cane celebration.
- Randolph’s Reindeer games: Meet Randolph in person and play some of his favorite holiday games.
- North Pole Lane: Meet the Tree Princess, send a letter to Santa, play with elves, do some holiday shopping and visit with jolly St. Nick in the special area.
- Caribbean Christmas: Transport to the Caribbean with a festive display of bright pink lights and catch a Hymn-Prov show for holiday laughs and cheers.
- Illuminate: A calming area that highlights the beauty of candlelight with hanging lanterns and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future.
- Merry and Bright Light Show: Guests can enjoy two festive holiday light shows playing continuously through the night in front of ZooTampa’s own holiday house.
- Holiday Signature Encounters: On all event nights, guests are able to make their evening even more magical by upgrading their experience with a Holiday African Penguin Encounter or a Holiday Indian Rhino Encounter featuring the opportunity to get up close to amazing animals.
ZooTampa is also giving back this holiday season, and guests can as well at their “animal Giving Tree.” All money raised will go towards animal enrichment and veterinary care.
General admission tickets after 4 p.m. are $29.95 and can be purchased online at zootampa.org. Members and “pay for a day” ticket holders get in for free.
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This article appears in Nov 7-13, 2024.