Nov. 21 - Dec. 31
During Lights, the Zoo is open evenings only, starting at 3 p.m.
Mon - Thurs
Open 3 - 8 p.m., Zoo closes at 9 p.m.
Fri - Sun
Open 3 - 9 p.m., Zoo closes at 10 p.m.
Opening Night on Fri, Nov. 21
To culminate a year celebrating 125 years of the Toledo Zoo and 40 years of Lights Before Christmas, we’re lighting up the sky like never before with our first-ever drone show!
A dazzling display of 400 synchronized drones will kick off the Tree Lighting Ceremony at approximately 6 p.m., with a second show around 8:30 p.m. to close out the night in spectacular style. Both shows can be viewed near the Amphitheatre and Formal Gardens.
Guests can enjoy the festivities throughout the Zoo with:
- Special giveaways
- Roaming holiday characters & performers
- Visits with Santa
- Seasonal treats and cozy fire pits
- Caroling by Masterworks Chorale
- Ice carving demonstration
Starting at 4 p.m., WTOL will be broadcasting live leading up to the Tree Lighting Ceremony, where our award-winning 85-foot Norway spruce will shine bright once again! The drone shows will not be broadcast.
Thanksgiving Day
Open 3 - 8 p.m., Zoo closes at 9 p.m.
Christmas Eve
Open 3 - 8 p.m., Zoo closes at 9 p.m.
Christmas Day
Open 3 - 8 p.m., Zoo closes at 9 p.m.
New Year's Eve
Open 3 - 8 p.m., Zoo closes at 9 p.m.
Experience more magic as we celebrate a timeless tradition that shines brighter with each season! Bask in the glow of over one million lights, 200+ illuminated animal images, the legendary Big Tree and endless holiday cheer around every corner.
Ticket Pricing
Members
Reservations required.
Unlimited daily visits.
Non-members
Reservations required.
Adults
$32
Children (2-11) & Seniors (60+)
$29
For groups of 20+
Contact groupsales@toledozoo.org
Children under 2 are FREE
Enjoy a festive beverage at Twinkle Tavern and shop seasonal merchandise at Enchanted Gifts. Cozy up by a firepit and roast a s'more from The Sweet Shoppe. Don't forget to visit with Santa and share your Christmas wish at Santa's Lodge!
Create timeless memories among twinkling lights! Find Winter Village at the south side of the Zoo in the Amphitheatre.
Visit with Santa
4-8 p.m. daily, Nov. 21 - Dec. 23
Ice Slide
Fly down on your own personal innertube!
Ice Slide
$3.50 per ride or ride bundles available!
Fly down on your own personal innertube!
Carousel
$3.50 per ride
Indoor African Carousel
Reindeer Encounter
Visit our Reindeer in the Broadway Pavilion. Included with Zoo admission.
Holly Jolly Express
$3.50 per ride
Holiday train ride through Africa! Fri, Sat, Sun only. Weather permitting.
Swanton Area Railroad and Model Club
Starting 5 p.m. daily in the Nature’s Neighborhood. Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Included with Zoo admission.
Ride Bundles
4-Pass Bundle
Valid through Dec. 31, 2025
7-Pass Bundle
Valid through Dec. 31, 2025
Wild Pass
Non-transferable wristband for unlimited rides. Valid on date of purchase.
Enjoy seasonal beverages, hot snacks and an array of desserts at this popular concession spot!
Noon Year's Eve
Wed, Dec. 31
Ring in the NEW YEAR at the stroke of NOON!
Give the gift of the Toledo Zoo
Donate to the Giving Tree!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. We can provide assistance for any date changes. When reaching out, please have a new date and time in mind for your updated visit. Please contact us at reservations@toledozoo.org or 419-385-5721 ext. 6000
Yes. We do ask that our members make a reservation for each visit to the Lights show. Reservations help to spread out the arrival time of our guests, speeds up the check-in process and makes for a better experience once inside the Zoo.
Every arrival time has a maximum number of reservations, which includes both Members and Non-Members. When the capacity for the time slot is reached, it will display “Sold Out” meaning no more reservations are available for that arrival time.
Military individuals, both Veteran and Active Duty, do not need reservations. They can present their military ID or proof of military service at the admission gates for entry any date and time that the Zoo is open. We do ask that other non-military guests in the group make a reservation for a specific date and time for their Zoo visit
Reservations can be made up to 7 days in advance. Reservations can be made online or via phone at 419-385-5721 ext. 6000.
Reservations can be made up to 7 days in advance. Reservations can be made online or via phone at 419-385-5721 ext. 6000.
Yes. Our admissions staff can look up reservations upon arrival at the Zoo. We simply need the name or email address for the reservation.
When making a reservation, our guests are selecting an hour window of time for their arrival. We ask that our guests make every effort to arrive within that selected hour of time. Earlier or later arrivals may not be accommodated. Once you are in the Zoo, you can stay as late as desired up until closing time.
Once you are in the Zoo, you can stay as late as desired up until closing. Monday through Thursday, the Zoo closes at 9 p.m. Friday through Sunday, the Zoo closes at 10 p.m.
Guests who have existing Zoo tickets do not need to make a reservation for a visit to the Lights show. You can arrive at any date and time that the Zoo is open and present the tickets at the admission gate for entry.
The Zoo is open in all weather conditions with the exception of a Level 3 Snow Emergency as proclaimed by Lucas County. Any current or upcoming Zoo closures will be announced on our website.
Once tickets are purchased, they are non-refundable. Lights tickets can be transferred to another date or time for a visit to the Lights or to general Zoo admission in 2026. Please call 419-385-5721 ext. 6000 or email reservations@toledozoo.org to transfer.
Presenting Sponsor
Winter Village Sponsor
Dancing Lights Sponsor
Media Sponsors
