PHILADELPHIA, PA — More than one million twinkling lights, a towering illuminated penguin, and a new holiday adventure featuring a lion named Santa Claws are transforming Philadelphia Zoo into a nighttime winter wonderland as LumiNature welcomes visitors for the holiday season.
Presented by PNC Bank, the annual nighttime attraction opens Thursday, Nov. 19, 2026, and continues on select evenings through Saturday, Jan. 9, 2027. This year’s experience features 14 themed stops, interactive displays, animal encounters, and opportunities to support wildlife enrichment and conservation.
The centerpiece of the celebration is a new holiday story built around the wishes of the Zoo’s animals. Guests follow larger-than-life illuminated letters addressed to Santa Claws, discovering wishes inspired by the animals’ personalities, natural behaviors, and enrichment needs.
Visitors receive a Book of Wishes to follow clues and record discoveries throughout the experience, creating a keepsake of their journey.
Some wishes reflect actual items and activities that help improve the animals’ well-being, and the Zoo is inviting guests to help make those wishes come true.
“LumiNature, presented by PNC Bank, has become a holiday tradition for families throughout the Philadelphia region, and this year we’re creating even more ways to make lasting memories together,” said Philadelphia Zoo President and CEO Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman.
Giant Illuminated Animals and New Attractions
Among the most prominent displays is a 40-foot penguin illuminated by approximately 40,000 lights, standing above Bird Lake Plaza.
The Zoo’s familiar 25-foot flamingo tree also returns, constructed from approximately 1,500 pink lawn flamingos.
Visitors begin their journey beneath the 22-foot Butterfly Tree, where 4,000 illuminated butterflies create a colorful entrance. Guests with a Zoo Key can activate the display and watch it come to life.
Several new attractions expand this year’s experience.
At the North Pole Post Office, oversized envelopes, mailbags and packages introduce the animals’ holiday wishes.
Wishes from the Wild features illuminated creatures from different habitats, including a giant crocodile, floating jellyfish, glowing coral and a sea turtle tree.
Monkey Business introduces a 20-foot illuminated banana tree surrounded by glowing vines and playful primate displays.
Bear Whispers draws inspiration from the Zoo’s Andean and sloth bears, creating a winter woodland filled with shimmering lights and oversized paw prints.
The Field of Wishes features thousands of points of light across the landscape, guiding visitors toward the final stop.
Returning favorites include Slither & Shimmer, featuring a giant snake illuminated by more than 5,000 lights; Silent Paws, with glowing bamboo and mysterious animal footprints; and Starlit Savannah, where illuminated giraffes and other wildlife appear against a nighttime landscape.
The Enchanted Forest features illuminated birds and a Postmaster General Owl watching over the animals’ holiday letters.
Guests can also use Zoo Keys to activate interactive surprises at five locations: Flutter Flair, Impala Fountain, Monkey Business, Flamingo Fancy, and The Enchanted Forest.
Families Can Enjoy Nightly Animal Encounters
For the first time, KidZooU is open every evening during LumiNature, giving families additional opportunities to learn about the Zoo’s animals.
From 5 to 7 p.m., special activities take place every half hour, including ambassador animal meet-and-greets, wildlife chats, and animal enrichment sessions.
The expanded programming connects the attraction’s holiday story with the Zoo’s work caring for wildlife.
Families can also visit Santa Claws at his festive lodge inside the Garden Pavilion, where guests can take their own holiday photographs.
The lodge features seasonal refreshments and holiday trees decorated by West Philadelphia community organizations.
Visitors can vote for their favorite tree as part of the Our Neck of the Woods display, giving neighborhood groups an opportunity to participate in the celebration.
Live performances by local musicians and community groups add to the festivities on select evenings.
Holiday Treats, Activities and Skyline Views
Beyond the illuminated displays, LumiNature offers seasonal food, beverages, and hands-on activities.
Guests can enjoy hot chocolate, apple cider, holiday pretzels, and other sweet and savory treats. Alcoholic beverage options are also available.
Additional activities include roasting s’mores, decorating cookies, and creating personalized holiday ornaments.
Visitors can build customized popcorn candy buckets by choosing from classic, caramel, or cheddar popcorn and adding candy toppings.
The SEPTA PZ Express Kidde Train takes guests through illuminated areas of the Zoo, while gift shops offer holiday souvenirs and light-up accessories.
One of the evening’s final attractions is the 110-foot Philly Zoo Pherris Wheel, offering views of the illuminated grounds and Philadelphia skyline.
The ride is making its only appearance at the Zoo in 2026, and visitors can purchase admission packages that include a Pherris Wheel ride.
Cocktail Walk Offers an Adults-Only Experience
LumiNature also features its first Cocktail Walk on Saturday, Dec. 5, giving adults another way to enjoy the illuminated attraction.
The event, restricted to guests ages 21 and older, includes six beverage tastings at six locations throughout the Zoo.
The Cocktail Walk runs from 5 to 9 p.m., with the final pour scheduled for 8:45 p.m. A valid photo ID is required.
Tickets and additional information are available at phillycocktailwalk.com.
Philadelphia Zoo Seeks Local Holiday Performers
The Zoo is also inviting local choirs, singers, musicians, dancers, theater groups and other performers to participate in LumiNature on select evenings.
Interested groups are asked to prepare approximately 30 minutes of entertainment.
Each performer will receive complimentary admission to LumiNature on the evening of their appearance, while friends and family will have access to specially discounted tickets.
Applications must be submitted by Friday, Nov. 13, 2026, at philadelphiazoo.org/luminature-talent-application/.
The opportunity provides local school groups, community organizations, and performing arts ensembles with a chance to share their talents during one of Philadelphia’s seasonal attractions.
Event Details
- What: Philadelphia Zoo’s LumiNature, presented by PNC Bank, featuring more than one million lights, 14 themed stops, interactive displays, animal encounters, seasonal entertainment and holiday activities.
- When: Open on select evenings through Saturday, Jan. 9, 2027, from 5 to 9 p.m. The season begins Thursday, Nov. 19, 2026. Visitors should check the operating calendar for available dates.
- Where: Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 W. Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19104
- Cost/Tickets: Timed admission ranges from $27–$33 for adults ages 12 and older and $22–$28 for children ages 2–11. Children younger than 2 are admitted free. Anytime admission costs $34 for adults and $29 for children. Zoo members receive discounts of 10%–20%, depending on membership level. Admission packages including a Pherris Wheel ride are also available.
- More Info: Tickets, operating dates, and attraction details are available at philadelphiazoo.org and philadelphiazoo.org/luminature.
LumiNature’s extended schedule gives families opportunities to experience the attraction throughout the holiday season and into early January.
Guests are encouraged to dress for winter weather and wear comfortable walking shoes while exploring the illuminated pathways.
With new displays, expanded animal encounters, and opportunities to participate in wildlife enrichment, this year’s LumiNature combines holiday entertainment with the Zoo’s conservation mission.
From towering illuminated animals to neighborhood-decorated Christmas trees, the nighttime experience offers families a chance to celebrate the season while discovering more about the wildlife that calls Philadelphia Zoo home.
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