Zoo Lights at the Jacksonville Zoo

Jacksonville offers many family-friendly events throughout the Christmas season, from the tree lighting and entertainment at the Jacksonville Landing to the beautiful lights in St. Augustine. One of our favorite picks from the Tutoring Club of Jacksonville is Zoo Lights at the Jacksonville Zoo!We have copied a lot of information about this event from the Zoo's website and posted it below for your convenience. 

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Event Information:

December 12 - 14 & December 18 - January 3 Closed Christmas Day
Monday - Thursday:  6:00 pm. To 9:30 p.m.
Friday through Sunday:  6:00 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Please note: The Zoo closes at 5:00 p.m. and will re-open for ZOOLights at 6:00 p.m.

Cost: $10/Non-Members; $8/Members

Save $1 on admission by buying your tickets online! Purchase tickets here!

Celebrate the holiday season and create a family tradition admiring the sparkling lights and brilliant hues at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens’ Third Annual ZOOLights event. Thousands of LED lights will transform the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens into a luminous winter wonderland filled with moving sculptures, forests of lighted trees and animal silhouettes. Guests will have the opportunity to view sculptures and performances by local artists including students at UNF and JU, yarn bombing by Yarn Bomb Jax, and a train display by the First Coast Model Railroad Society in our Discovery Center in Play Park. In addition to walking among the thousands of lights strung throughout the Zoo, guests can enjoy a unique view of ZOOLights by boarding the Zoo’s lighted train. Guests can also enjoy carousel rides, the 4-D Theater Ride featuring the Polar Express, marshmallow roasting,  warm weather “ice” skating and more!

Extras(Not included in ticket price)
Train: $2/adult, $1/child (3-12)
Sea Lion Splash:$2.50/member, $3.50/non-member
Carousel: $1 per person
Stingray Bay: $1 per person
4-D Theater: $3/members, $4/non-members
“Warm Weather” Ice Skating: $4/members, $5/non-members
Glow sticks: $1 per glow stick
3D Glasses: $2
Marshmallows: 4 for $1, Roasting Stick is .25 cents
S’mores Kit: $3.50 (includes marshmallows, grahams, chocolates and stick)

Check back soon for a schedule of nightly entertainment at ZOOLights.

Frequently Asked Questions
What time should I get there?
ZOOLights opens at 6:00 p.m. and closes at 9:30 p.m. on Monday-Friday and 10:00 p.m. on Friday-Sunday.
The gates for ZOOLights will close 1 hour prior to the stated closing time. The last Train will run 30 minutes prior to closing. Activity lines will also close at this time.

What is the best way to see ZOOLights?
ZOOLights is best seen experienced when you take the Illuminated Train Ride from the front of the Zoo to the back and then walk back up towards the front stopping in the Great Lawn for s’mores, Santa and skating and then stopping in Play Park for model trains and nightly entertainment.

What animals will be on exhibit during ZOOLights?
Many of the animals will be sleeping inside, however the giraffes, jaguars, and Lost Temple reptiles and primates will be open for guest viewing. There will be a Sea Lion Splash Presentation every night at 7:15 as well.

Is ZOOLights handicap accessible?
All ZOOLights venues are handicap accessible; however, the bouncy house at the Fairground area may not be appropriate for some guests.

I am buying a ticket online. Where do I select the date I want to attend ZOOLights?
Tickets are good for any one night of ZOOLights. You do not have to select a specific date when purchasing your ticket.

Are skates included in the price of “warm weather” ice skating?
Yes! Skates are included in price of ice skating. Socks will be available for purchase at the rink. Each skating ticket is good for 15 minutes on the “ice”.