Allentown Winter Light Spectacular at Lehigh Valley Zoo
Visitors can explore displays illuminated by 1.7 million lights alongside themed areas including Candy Land, Gingerbread Junction, and Whoville. Guests can warm up around multiple fire pits with hot chocolate and s'mores while enjoying live nightly princess performances. The experience also features classic holiday scenes, barnyard animal visits, and photo opportunities with Santa Claus.
What to Expect
Over 1.7 million lights and nightly live princess performances.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Organizer
Lehigh Valley Zoological Society
Food & Drink
Seasonal treats include hot chocolate and s’mores; VIP tickets include unlimited hot chocolate, a toppings bar, and a s’more kit.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and holiday light fans
Vibe
Festive, glowing, family-friendly
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: On November 13, all Adult & Child Tickets are $13 when purchased in advance. VIP tickets are also offered, but no VIP price is stated. – Get tickets
- Hours: November 13: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Sensory Inclusion Hour on December 6: 4-5 p.m.; VIP Animal Mingles every Sunday-Thursday date: 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Accessibility: All zoo access is currently directed through the ADA entrance due to construction at the main entrance.
Tips & Advice
- Buy Opening Night tickets on November 13 in advance, because adult and child tickets are reduced that night only when bought ahead.
- Book VIP tickets early if you want the Jingle Lodge Lounge and unlimited hot chocolate, because they are limited each night.
- Reserve your Santa photo with Dan's Camera City once the link opens, because reservations are preferred, although walk-ups are still welcome.
- Head for the ADA entrance when you arrive, because construction at the main entrance means all zoo access currently goes through there.
- Families with sensory-sensitive kids should aim for the December 6 Sensory Inclusion Hour, which has lower volume, lower contrast and fewer guests.
Special Events & Promotions
- Opening Night, November 13: reduced adult and child tickets when bought in advance, plus special performances by Sally and Jack Skellington.
- Popstar Night with Rumi from KPop Demon Hunters on November 20 and December 12; Wicked Wednesday with Elphaba, Glinda and Fiyero on November 25; Toy Story Night with Jessie and Woody on December 16.
- Meet-and-greets with Spiderman and Supergirl on December 2, and with The Mandalorian and Groku on December 9.
- Sensory Inclusion Hour on December 6, with lower contrast, lower volume and fewer guests.
- Prince & Princess Party on January 2 with special performances and meet-and-greets; new this year, VIP tickets add Animal Mingles on every Sunday–Thursday date.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What's new this year?
New for 2026 are Candy Land, Gingerbread Junction and an enhanced Whoville. The Fred & Anne Jaindl Family Barnyard barn is now open every night, and the Spirit Station is open every night too.
Who performs during the evening?
Princesses perform live every night, including Elsa, Anna, Ariel, Belle, Cinderella and Rapunzel. Theme nights add guests like Rumi from KPop Demon Hunters, Elphaba and Glinda, and Jessie and Woody.
What do VIP tickets include?
VIP guests get the Jingle Lodge Lounge during their session, plus a light-up souvenir tumbler and unlimited free hot chocolate with a VIP toppings bar. They also get a S'more kit and a holiday gift: a 2026 ornament for each adult and a Light Up Pop Tube for each child. New for 2026, VIP tickets include Animal Mingles on every Sunday–Thursday date. VIP tickets are limited each night.
Can we get photos with Santa?
Yes. Dan's Camera City offers photo packages with Santa on select dates through December 23. Walk-ups are welcome, but reservations are preferred, and the booking link goes up closer to opening.
Is there a quieter time for sensory-sensitive visitors?
Yes. Sensory Inclusion Hour on December 6 has lower contrast, lower volume and fewer guests.
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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.