New York Dearest
The guide, $35
An event · Bronx · on 4 of my lists

The Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights.

Worth it, says Antonina. The interactive displays and animated light shows guarantee a great night, which is why many locals consider this one of the best Christmas activities in New York City for kids.

Address
2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx Directions
Hours
Holiday Lights select evenings Nov 21 2026 to Jan 3 2027, gates open 1 pm for daytime zoo…
Subway
2, 5 to Bronx Park East, 9 min
Tickets
Get tickets
Website
bronxzoo.com/holiday-lights
What this page is

Everything I’ve written about The Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights on New York Dearest, in one place. It’s on 4 of my lists, from Christmas in NYC with Kids, the Festive Things to Do. to Christmas in NYC, Everything I'd Do This December., and each one says something the others don’t. Below you’ll find every list it’s on with what I wrote there and where it is and what’s near.

  1. Christmas in NYC with Kids, the Festive Things to Do.Worth it
  2. The Best Christmas Lights in NYC, 10 Displays Worth the Trip.Worth it
  3. Visiting New York during Christmas with kidsWorth it
  4. Christmas in NYC, Everything I'd Do This December.Worth it

Where it appears on New York Dearest

4 of my lists, the fullest first

Christmas in NYC with Kids, the Festive Things to Do.

No. 5 on that list · 9 min from the subway
Worth it
What I wrote thereFold it away

At 265 acres, the Bronx Zoo is the largest metropolitan zoo in the country, reason alone to visit. But if you need an extra nudge, the zoo’s holiday show is among the best Christmas light displays in NYC. Visit during Holiday Lights to see the zoo’s beloved animals celebrated through festival handmade lanterns.

The roster is a roll call of everyone’s favorites, you’ll find lions, walruses, giraffes and penguins (to name a few). In addition to the breathtaking display of lights, there’s tons of entertainment, seasonal treats and a chance to ride the holiday train!

The interactive displays and animated light shows guarantee a great night, which is why many locals consider this one of the best Christmas activities in New York City for kids.

Read it on the list
  • Subway2, 5 to Bronx Park East, 9 min
  • Address2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY
  • From my guide, published July 2025.
Worth it, says Antonina. Been? Say if you agree.

The Best Christmas Lights in NYC, 10 Displays Worth the Trip.

No. 2 on that list · 9 min from the subway
Worth it

The interactive displays and animated light shows guarantee a great night, which is why locals consider this one of the best Christmas light displays in New York City for kids.

What I wrote thereFold it away

At 265 acres, the Bronx Zoo is the largest metropolitan zoo in the country, reason alone to visit. But if you need an extra nudge, the zoo’s holiday show is among the best Christmas light displays in NYC. Visit during Holiday Lights to see the zoo’s beloved animals celebrated through festival handmade lanterns.

The roster is a roll call of everyone’s favorites, you’ll find lions, walruses, giraffes and penguins (to name a few). In addition to the breathtaking display of lights, there’s tons of entertainment, seasonal treats and a chance to ride the holiday train!

The interactive displays and animated light shows guarantee a great night, which is why locals consider this one of the best Christmas light displays in New York City for kids.

​The Bronx Zoo’s Holiday Lights is a festive evening event where the zoo is transformed with 260 illuminated animal lanterns representing 70 animal and plant species, animated light shows, and seasonal decorations.

What I wrote thereFold it away

​The Bronx Zoo’s Holiday Lights is a festive evening event where the zoo is transformed with 260 illuminated animal lanterns representing 70 animal and plant species, animated light shows, and seasonal decorations. Kids can enjoy activities such as ice carving demonstrations, illuminated performers, and the Holiday Train ride while parents sip spiked nog. ​

Parent tip Strollers are permitted, but some indoor areas may require stroller parking, so be prepared to carry essentials. Tickets must be reserved in advance, and parking can fill up quickly on peak days, so plan to arrive early.

Christmas in NYC, Everything I'd Do This December.

No. 21 on that list · 9 min from the subway
Worth it

During the holidays, the Bronx Zoo transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland with bright lights and fantastic illuminated animal displays.

What I wrote thereFold it away

During the holidays, the Bronx Zoo transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland with bright lights and fantastic illuminated animal displays. Pick up some hot chocolate or s’mores before embarking on this epic adventure. Good to know. At 265 acres, the Bronx Zoo is the largest metropolitan zoo in the country, reason alone to visit!

Where it is, and what’s near

Worth it, within a ten-minute walk
On The Best of New York

I put The Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights on 2 of my best lists.

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