Palm Beach Zoo brings back Zoo Lights with new immersive holiday story

Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society is reopening Zoo Lights: Magic in the Wild on select nights from Nov. 20, 2026, to Jan. 3, 2027, with a redesigned path, new projection and bioluminescence experiences, and holiday programming including Santa and Hanukkah menorah lighting. Tickets are on sale now, and proceeds support the zoo’s wildlife care and conservation work.

Why it matters: - Zoo Lights is one of Palm Beach County’s signature holiday events, and the 2026-2027 edition adds new immersive elements aimed at making the experience feel fresh for returning families. - Ticket sales help fund Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society’s wildlife care and conservation efforts. - The event blends holiday tradition with nighttime animal viewing, giving visitors a seasonal attraction that also supports the zoo’s mission.

What happened: - Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society is bringing back Zoo Lights: Magic in the Wild for its eighth year. - The event runs on select nights from Nov. 20, 2026, through Jan. 3, 2027, in West Palm Beach. - Tickets are on sale now. - The zoo says this year’s event is the most notable transformation in Zoo Lights history. - The experience is now built as a single, unified story rather than a series of standalone displays.

The details: - Holiday Wonderland includes twinkling light displays, a visit with Santa, letters to Santa, and fireside stories from Mrs. Claus. - Polar Wonderland introduces a new projection experience with imagery of the Arctic, Antarctic and the aurora borealis. - A final section features bioluminescence as a closing light path for guests. - New activities include ornament making, letter writing to Santa, ornament decorating and air clay crafts. - Zoo Lights includes a dedicated menorah lighting space for Hanukkah. - Guests can view koala and sloth habitats at night in two accessible animal areas. - A fountain will run during Zoo Lights for the first time. - The zoo notes guests can bring swimsuits if they want to use the fountain area. - Major sponsors include Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County and Florida Power & Light Company (FPL). - More information is available at Zoo Lights details. - Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society is based on 23 tropical acres in West Palm Beach and has operated for more than 50 years. - The zoo participates in AZA Species Survival Plan® programs for rare and endangered species.

Between the lines: - The redesign pushes Zoo Lights beyond a standard walk-through display and toward a more curated, narrative-style attraction. - The mix of Santa, Hanukkah lighting, animal habitats and conservation messaging broadens the event’s appeal across holiday traditions and age groups. - The zoo is using the event to reinforce its identity as both an entertainment destination and a conservation organization.

What's next: - Guests can buy tickets and plan visits for select nights during the holiday season. - The zoo will use Zoo Lights attendance to continue supporting wildlife care and conservation work. - The event will run until Jan. 3, 2027, giving visitors a holiday-season window that extends into the new year.

The bottom line: - Zoo Lights is back with a bigger story, new immersive features and a stronger conservation tie-in.