Zoo Lights Miami
Visitors stroll through the illuminated grounds featuring more than one million dazzling tree lights and a 26-foot-tall LED holiday tree. Attractions include appearances by Santa, character meet-and-greets, animal presentations at the Sami Family Amphitheater, themed photo spots, and a train ride. Guests can also write letters to Santa, enjoy festive holiday treats, and view select animals such as flamingos.
What to Expect
Over one million dazzling lights and a 26-foot-tall LED tree.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Organizer
Zoo Miami
Food & Drink
Festive holiday treats are available, and s’more and lighted souvenir cup packages can be redeemed at zoo food locations.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with children
Vibe
Festive and whimsical
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: 6:30 pm - 10 pm.
- Accessibility: Wheelchairs and ECVs are available to rent at a discounted rate.
Tips & Advice
- Buy your tickets online well ahead of time, since they are only sold online and Zoo Lights is expected to sell out this year.
- Plan your visit on or before December 23 if the kids want to see Santa, because his appearances end after that night.
- Don't count on seeing many animals, since most are asleep, but look for the flamingos, the ambassador animals at meet-and-greets, and possibly the tiger.
- If your plans change, email zoomiami@miamidade.gov within 48 hours of your Zoo Lights date to move your tickets to another night.
- Download the Zoo Miami app before you go, because it gives turn-by-turn navigation around the Zoo Lights route.
Special Events & Promotions
- Opening Night and Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, November 27, with Yuletide Carolers.
- Santa appears through December 23.
- New this year: a brand-new train ride, for an additional fee.
- Add-on s'more and lighted souvenir cup package, redeemed at a food location.
- Zoo Miami members save on early bird or regular pricing with an emailed promo code.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to do at Zoo Lights?
Walk through more than a million lights and see the 26-foot LED holiday tree. There's music, character meet-and-greets, themed photo spots, letters to Santa, and an animal presentation at the Sami Family Amphitheater. Santa appears until December 23, and the new train ride costs extra.
Will we be able to see animals?
Most of the animals are asleep, and the lights are the main attraction. You can still see the flamingos and some ambassador animals during their meet-and-greet times. You might also spot residents of the Florida: Mission Everglades exhibit and the tiger.
Where do I redeem the s'more and lighted souvenir cup package?
Once your ticket is scanned at the front entrance, Guest Service Representatives give you a ticket to exchange at one of the food locations.
Can I rent a stroller, wheelchair or Safari Cycle?
Wheelchairs, ECVs and strollers can be rented at a discounted rate. Safari Cycles aren't available for Zoo Lights because the pathways aren't wide enough.
Do Zoo Miami members get a discount?
Yes. Members get a promo code by email that saves on early bird or regular pricing. If you can't find it, contact the Membership Department. Daytime admission and membership don't include Zoo Lights.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.