Zoo Lights Returns As West Palm Beach’s Brightest Holiday Tradition

On select nights, from Friday, November 21st, 2025 - Sunday, January 4th, 2026, 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., the annual Zoo Lights tradition returns. We’re ready to welcome guests with festive music, a 24-foot animated holiday tree and plenty of family activities. While South Florida doesn’t exactly get cold winters, that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy hot cocoa here. So, we’ll also be sure to have great food and drink throughout the festival.

Through Zoo Lights, there are plenty of opportunities to make the most of this season. For example, the Best Value ticket is the perfect way to get the best of both worlds. With this ticket, any daytime ticket purchased with admission valid through Saturday, January 31st, 2026, they are accompanied by a ticket for Zoo Lights. All guests need to remember is to select which night they want to join us and that they do not have to use both tickets on the same day! And with plenty of activities for the kids, we also want to ensure adults get opportunities to get wild and enjoy some time for themselves at the zoo. On Thursday, December 4th, Thursday, December 11th and Thursday, December 18th, the Zoo will host adult-only, 21+ events for guests to stroll, sip, eat and hang out.

These thousands of energy-efficient lights come to life thanks to our partner, Florida Power & Light Company, FPL SolarNow®. As friends and families walk through each pathway, there are carefully crafted designs that complement the habitats they surround. Pink lights add to the fun flamboyancy of our flamingoes, and green lights enhance the ripples of small splashes in our swamps. For each person, there is sure to be an area that resonates with them and adds to these long-lasting memories.

“Zoo Lights creates something truly special. First, it transforms the Zoo into an entirely new atmosphere—an escape that makes you feel like you’re not in West Palm Beach

anymore, but somewhere magical where nature surrounds you and makes you feel great,” said Casey Coy, Chief Operating and Security Officer.

These lights do more than light up pathways. They come together, creating an atmosphere for people to escape into something unique and spectacular. The lights even serve as a spotlight for the incredible craftsmanship that will be on display from the EnnYe Gallery. The organization will breathe awe into stones by showcasing 20-25 unique pieces and having celebrated artist, Brighton Tendayi, show his skills live throughout the Zoo Lights festival.

For years, families have made Zoo Lights an essential part of their holiday celebrations, returning year after year to create more memories together. Some have created those memories through Brighton’s work and some by returning to a place that creates a constant during busier times. These are important memories because they foster more curiosity and care for the wildlife around us.

“That experience brings families together, giving them the chance to bond, connect, and feel at home in the environment around them. By joining us for Zoo Lights, our guests are also joining us in our mission to save wildlife, making every visit even more meaningful. And of course, it all happens during the most beautiful time of year to enjoy South Florida’s amazing winter weather. That’s why families return year after year, and why Zoo Lights has become a cherished holiday tradition,” Coy said.

About the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society:

For over 50 years, Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society has provided visitors with personal animal encounters that connect people to wildlife. Palm Beach Zoo guests explore a WILD ecosystem thriving on 23 lush, tropical acres while discovering hundreds of exotic animals. Palm Beach Zoo participates in scientific, genetic breeding and species recovery plans, known as the AZA Species Survival Plan® programs, ensuring healthy animal populations for rare and endangered species. The impact of a visit to Palm Beach Zoo extends beyond the gates, inspiring people to act and save wildlife in wild places. For more information, visit: www.palmbeachzoo.org.