This year, the animals at the Philadelphia Zoo have written letters to Santa. LumiNature, presented by PNC Bank, opens Thursday, Nov. 19, 2026, and runs most nights through Saturday, Jan. 9, 2027, from 5 to 9 p.m. Guests follow the animals’ holiday wishes through 14 stops and about one million lights.
A holiday story told in light
Oversized illuminated letters to Santa Claws, a lion, reveal what each animal wants: things that make their lives healthier and more interesting. At the North Pole Post Office, visitors pick up a Book of Wishes, which holds clues and doubles as a keepsake. The route ends at Santa Claws’ Lodge in the Garden Pavilion, where you can take a selfie with him. The Zoo is also updating its animal wish list page so the public can help make some of those wishes come true.
The route includes several new stops: Wishes from the Wild, Bear Whispers and Field of Wishes. Monkey Business adds a 20-foot illuminated banana tree.
Returning family favorites include:
Penguin Passage: a 40-foot penguin lit by roughly 40,000 bulbs stands over Bird Lake Plaza.
Flamingo Fancy: the 25-foot flamingo tree, built from about 1,500 lawn flamingos, returns.
Pherris Wheel: the 110-foot ride offers views of the lit-up Zoo and the city skyline. The Zoo says 2026 is its only appearance here.
The Zoo Key lets you trigger interactive surprises at five spots: Flutter Flair, Impala Fountain, Monkey Business, Flamingo Fancy and The Enchanted Forest. You can bring your own key or buy one at the Zoo.
New for families and grown-ups
KidZooU will open every LumiNature evening for the first time. From 5 to 7 p.m., animal meet-and-greets, wildlife chats and enrichment sessions run every half hour.
Adults 21 and older can book the first-ever LumiNature Cocktail Walk on Saturday, Dec. 5. It includes six tastings at six stops, starting at 5 p.m., with the final pour at 8:45 p.m. A valid photo ID is required, and tickets are available through phillycocktailwalk.com.
Elsewhere, you can roast s’mores, decorate cookies, make a personalized ornament and warm up with hot chocolate or cider, with boozy options. The SEPTA PZ Express train runs through the lights. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.
West Philly groups and local performers
West Philadelphia community groups are decorating trees for the Our Neck of the Woods display at Santa Claws’ Lodge, and visitors vote for their favorite.
The Zoo is also looking for local choirs, singers, musicians, dancers and theater groups to perform for about 30 minutes on select evenings. Performers get free admission that night, and friends and family can buy discounted tickets. Applications are due Nov. 13 through the Zoo’s talent application form.
Tickets and location
Timed tickets cost $27 to $33 for adults 12 and older and $22 to $28 for children ages 2 to 11. Children under 2 get in free. Anytime tickets cost $34 for adults and $29 for children. Members get 10% to 20% off, depending on membership level, and bundles with a Pherris Wheel ride are available every operating night. Buy tickets on the Philadelphia Zoo website.
The Zoo is at 3400 W. Girard Ave., in Fairmount Park. PNC Bank presents the event, and all visits support animal conservation worldwide.
