Brevard Zoo will be making spirits especially bright this festive season with a sleighful of holiday fun, including a new nighttime event, Holiday Lights, along with the return of its beloved daytime experience, Jolly Days. Holiday Lights will be held from 6-9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays from Nov. 20-Dec. 12 and then daily from Dec. 18-Jan. 2.

Visions of Sugar Plums, an Enchanted Forest, the North Pole, and other fantastical places and characters will be brought to life through illuminated displays - about 1 million lights in total. Guests will be able to immerse themselves in the magic by sitting inside a lighted ornament, walking through a sparkling tree farm, enjoying Florida friendly "winter" fun, like a nearly 11-foot lit-up snowman, and more!

“We believe the holidays are defined by shared experiences, and our vision is to establish a signature tradition that celebrates community, wonder, and connection,” said Alysia Ross, VP of Marketing. “As guests wander through a sea of twinkling lights and immersive holiday moments, the Zoo will become a place where memories are made and traditions begin."

In addition to exquisite holiday light displays, guests will be able to enjoy a festive mix of holiday entertainment, from the classic sounds of Christmas carolers to dazzling shows and high-energy performances that bring the magic of the season to life.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at the Zoo to hear holiday wishes from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Nov. 27-29, along with Dec 5-6 and 12-13. The jolly pair will also be making their usual appearance at the Zoo's classic daytime holiday experience, Jolly Days happening Dec. 19-23. Guests can enjoy music from local school music groups, watch Zoo animal residents receive gifts, participate in special activities like writing letters to Santa, and more from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

At Holiday Lights and Jolly Days, guests will also be able to enjoy a cookie decorating and hot cocoa station, and a holiday menu of special dishes like cinnamon sugar doughnuts. Holiday Lights and Jolly Days are the marquee events at Brevard Zoo this holiday season. Other seasonal experiences include:

  • Thanksgiving at the Zoo: This family program from 10 a.m.-noon on Nov. 24 gives guests a behind-the-scenes look at what goes on in the Zoo’s Commissary – and allows them to create a Thanksgiving meal for the Zoo’s animal residents.
  • Wild Turkey Trot 3K: Runners and walkers can gobble up some steps at the Zoo’s second annual Thanksgiving 3K kicking off at 7:30 a.m. on Nov. 26.  
  • Kids’ Holiday Hangout: Children ages 5-12 can enjoy an evening of up-close animal encounters, holiday-themed games, crafts, and a pizza dinner. This kids-only program will be held from 5-8 p.m. on Dec. 12. 
  • Holly Jolly Brunch: Don your holiday pajamas and enjoy a morning of delicious food, live animal encounters, holiday activities, and special activities for the family on Dec. 20.
  • Winter Camp: When school is out, camp is in session at Brevard Zoo on Dec. 21-22 and Dec. 28-29 for grades 1-5.
  • Winter Sprinter 3K: Twinkling lights will be the guide during this evening family friendly race on Dec. 22.
  • Noon Year’s Eve: Sparkling juice toast, celebratory music, special activities – it’s a New Year’s Eve celebration at the Zoo (just at noon).

Tickets are on sale for Holiday Lights, Thanksgiving at the Zoo, Wild Turkey Trot 3K, Holly Jolly Brunch, and Winter Sprinter 3K at BrevardZoo.org.

Jolly Days and Noon Year’s Eve are included with regular daytime admission.

Please visit this Dropbox link for more photos and video clips.

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Brevard Zoo is home to more than 700 animals representing 170 species from all over the world. As a not-for-profit organization, it is a leader in the fields of animal wellness, education and conservation. More information is available at BrevardZoo.org.