Indianapolis Zoo's Christmas at the Zoo
Visitors can stroll through thousands of energy-efficient LED holiday lights, walk through a glittering light tunnel, and view active cold-weather animals including penguins, walruses, and arctic foxes. Santa’s Village features cookie decorating at Ginger's Cookie Nook, a magical mirror maze, and visits with Santa and his elves inside Santa’s Magic Cottage. The event also offers rides on the carousel and the Journey to the North Pole train, live storytime shows, and fire pits for roasting s'mores.
What to Expect
Features 100 percent LED light displays and cold-weather animal encounters.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Indianapolis Zoo
Food & Drink
Options include classic hot chocolate, seasonal sweet and savory items, holiday cocktails at Tinsel Tavern, and treats to toast at s’mores stations.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with children
Vibe
Festive, glowing and family-friendly
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: Festivities begin daily at 5 p.m. Santa welcomes visitors starting at 5 p.m.; the Santa’s Magic Cottage line closes 1 hour before closing.
- Accessibility: On the low-sensory evenings of Dec. 2 and Dec. 16, free sensory bags are available at the Visitor's Services Center and quiet rooms are open.
Tips & Advice
- Come out early to watch the Zoo change at sunset as the lights come on, and to see the animals before it gets dark.
- Join the Santa's Magic Cottage line well before the end of the night, because it closes one hour before the Zoo closes.
- If you're an IMCU member visiting Monday through Thursday, arrive before Santa's Magic Cottage opens and show your card to go straight to the front of the line.
- Bring your old holiday lights from home and drop them in the recycling bins at the Visitor's Services Center by the main entrance.
- Dress warmly for an evening outdoors, and warm up at the fire pits with hot chocolate or a s'more from one of the s'mores stations.
Special Events & Promotions
- Low-sensory evenings on Dec. 2 and Dec. 16, with changes to sound, smell and lighting, free sensory bags and quiet rooms.
- Live choirs of carolers on select nights.
- Indiana Members Credit Union members who arrive early and show an IMCU debit or digital card go to the front of the Santa's Magic Cottage line when it opens (Monday–Thursday only).
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there sensory-friendly nights?
Yes. On Dec. 2 and Dec. 16 the event is a low-sensory experience, with changes to sound, smell and lighting. Free sensory bags are available on request at the Visitor's Services Center as you enter, and quiet rooms are available.
Are the animals out in winter?
Yes. Cold-climate species often stay out longer and are more active in winter than in summer. Look for penguins, brown bears, sea lions, walrus, red pandas and the arctic fox.
How does visiting Santa work?
Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves are at Santa's Magic Cottage. Kids can discover the magic key to the North Pole, share their wishes and get a photo. The line closes one hour before the Zoo closes.
What is there to eat and drink?
Peppermint Twist has sweets and treats, and you can decorate your own cookies at Ginger's Cookie Nook. Sweet and savory food, specialty seasonal cocktails and Cup of Cheer hot chocolate are sold throughout the Zoo. Tinsel Tavern serves holiday cocktails, and there are s'mores stations at the fire pits.
Can I recycle old holiday lights there?
Yes. Drop them in the bins at the Visitor's Services Center by the main entrance, and Technology Recyclers will recycle them.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
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