TAMPA, Fla. — Officials at ZooTampa at Lowry Park announced the return of the zoo’s holiday celebration, Christmas in the Wild, which will kick off off on Nov. 29 and run for 16 select nights through Dec. 23.

What You Need To Know

  • ZooTampa at Lowry Park's Christmas in the Wild will run for 16 select nights from Nov. 29 through Dec. 23

  • The attraction will feature illuminated animal sculptures, light shows, live entertainment and a visit from Santa Claus

  • New experiences for the event include “The Realm of the Nutcracker,” story time with Mrs. Claus and “The Forest of Fantasy” 

  • General admission tickets after 4 p.m. are $29.95 and can be purchased online on ZooTampa’s website

The attraction will feature illuminated animal sculptures, light shows, live entertainment and a visit from Santa Claus.

New experiences for the event include “The Realm of the Nutcracker,” a retelling of the classic holiday through a modern dance party featuring Clara, the Nutcracker, the Rat King, and the Sugarplum Fairies.

Guests will be able to enjoy story time with Mrs. Claus as she reads Christmas stories and sings Christmas carols.

Those who attend can also view twinkling lights and listen to festive music in “The Forest of Fantasy,” where there will be special appearances by the Snow Queen and her dancing snow fairies.

Christmas in the Wild will run Nov. 30-Dec. 1, Dec. 6-7, Dec. 12-15, and Dec. 17-23 from 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. The event is free for ZooTampa membership holders and Pay For a Day ticket holders.

General admission tickets after 4 p.m. are $29.95 and can be purchased online on ZooTampa’s website.