Bronx Zoo Turns on Holiday Lights

Bronx Zoo Turns on Holiday Lights

Bigger...Brighter...Greener!

As one of New York City’s greatest holiday traditions and for the first time since 2007, the Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights will return in 2019 during the most festive time of the year with dazzling light displays that will cover and sparkle acres of the zoo. Visitors will be able to walk through the zoo to experience wildlife-themed LED displays, custom Asian lanterns, animated light shows on the historic Astor Court and more. “We are bringing an updated version of a beloved holiday tradition back to the Bronx Zoo for the first time since 2007,” said John F. Calvelli, Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Executive Vice President of Public Affairs. “The LED lights, animal-themed lanterns, and animated light shows will be set amongst the historic buildings on an expanded footprint that will take people throughout the zoo. The LED technology will also allow us to be incredibly energy efficient. We believe our visitors will come away really enjoying this ‘green’ holiday experience!”

The festival will feature an Ice Jubilee including an ice throne, where ice kings and queens can Photo Credit: Julie Larsen Maher

take their seat on an oversized throne made completely of ice, as well as breaking out your inner penguin and slide down a 20- floor ice slide. Visitors can also grab a specialty cocktail at the zoo’s 12-foot ice bar which will be available for purchase during Holiday Lights operating hours. What’s more, professional ice carvers will showcase their talents as they use chainsaws and chisels to carve holiday and animal-themed sculptures with a live audience. An icecarving competition will take place on December 28 th when 20 new sculptures will be displayed for future viewing.

Throughout Holiday Lights, visitors will be able to enjoy classic and modern holiday tunes sung by Victorian-dressed carolers