November 04, 2026
Provided Courtesy/Aversa PR & Events
Families walk through an illuminated tunnel during a previous LumiNature season at Philadelphia Zoo. The holiday light attraction returns Nov. 19 with 1 million lights and new interactive displays.
A giant illuminated penguin and a tree made from about 1,500 pink lawn flamingos will be back at Philadelphia Zoo when LumiNature opens Nov. 19, joining new displays spread across a holiday walk with 1 million lights.
The evening attraction runs select nights through Jan. 9, 2027, from 5 to 9 p.m. Adult timed tickets start at $27.
This year, families will receive a Book of Wishes with clues to follow through 14 stops. Oversized letters addressed to Santa Claws reveal holiday wishes inspired by the animals’ favorite things and the activities that keep them engaged. Santa Claws, a lion character, will be available for selfies at his lodge in the Garden Pavilion.
New displays include a 20-foot illuminated banana tree surrounded by glowing vines and primate figures, a woodland inspired by the zoo’s bears and a field filled with thousands of lights. The returning 40-foot penguin will stand over Bird Lake Plaza.
For the first time, KidZooU will be open every LumiNature evening, with animal meet-and-greets, wildlife chats and activities scheduled every half hour from 5 to 7 p.m. Families can also bring their Zoo Keys to turn on interactive features at five locations along the walk. Keys will be available to buy.
The 110-foot Philly Zoo Pherris Wheel will offer views of the illuminated zoo and city skyline. Ticket bundles that include admission and a ride will be available.
Hot chocolate, hot apple cider and seasonal snacks will be sold throughout the grounds, with alcoholic drink options for adults. Attendees can also roast s’mores, decorate cookies and make personalized ornaments.
At Santa Claws’ Lodge, families can vote for their favorite holiday tree decorated by West Philadelphia community groups. Local performers will appear on select evenings.
Advance online reservations are required for LumiNature. Parking costs $22 and is free for zoo members. The attraction will be closed Dec. 24, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1, but open on New Year’s Eve.
Tickets and the operating calendar are available on Philadelphia Zoo’s website.
Dates: Select nights Nov. 19, 2026-Jan. 9, 2027
Time: 5-9 p.m.
Location: Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 W. Girard Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19104
Tickets: Adult timed admission starts at $27; advance online reservations required
Children: Under 2 admitted free
Parking: $22; free for zoo members
Holiday closures: Dec. 24, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1
KidZooU activities: Every half hour from 5-7 p.m. on operating evenings
Have an event coming up? Let the PhillyVoice Events team know about it by emailing events@phillyvoice.com.
