TOLEDO, Ohio — Editor's note: The video in the above player is WTOL 11's live coverage of the 2023 kickoff for Lights Before Christmas at the Toledo Zoo.
The Toledo Zoo Lights Before Christmas is back for another year and you can reserve your ticket now to help ring in the holiday season.
Lights Before Christmas begins Friday, Nov. 22 and runs through Tuesday, Dec. 31. WTOL 11 will provide live coverage on Nov. 22 beginning at 5 p.m. leading up to the tree lighting that you can stream on WTOL 11+ and watch on air. Click HERE to learn how to download our free streaming platform through your Roku, Amazon Fire TV or Apple TV devices.
The annual event will feature over 1 million lights, the award-winning Big Tree and over 200 illuminated animal images.
From rides and activities to food and drinks, here's everything you need to know about the 2024 Lights Before Christmas at the Toledo Zoo!
Hours
During the Lights Before Christmas, the zoo will open daily at 3 p.m. and only be open for lights.
- Monday-Thursday: 3-8 p.m., zoo closes at 9 p.m.
- Friday-Sunday: 3-9 p.m., zoo closes at 10 p.m.
- Thanksgiving Day: 3-8 p.m., zoo closes at 9 p.m.
- Christmas Eve: 3-8 p.m., zoo closes at 9 p.m.
- Christmas Day: 3-8 p.m., zoo closes at 9 p.m.
- New Year's Eve: 3-8 p.m., zoo closes at 9 p.m.
Ticket pricing
The Toledo Zoo said reservations are required for anyone planning to head to the Lights Before Christmas. You can reserve your tickets HERE.
- Members: Unlimited daily visits, reservations required
- Non-members
- Adults: $32
- Children (2-11) and Seniors (60+): $29
- Children under 2 are FREE
- For groups of 20+: Contact groupsales@toledozoo.org
The Toledo Zoo said dates are released on a one-week rolling basis. If the date you are interested in is not listed, you're asked to check back one week in advance.
Events and things to do
In the "newly redesigned" Winter Village on the southside of the zoo in the amphitheater, you can get a festive beverage at Twinkle Tavern, shop seasonal items at Enchanted Gifts, and warm up by a firepit and roast s'mores from The Sweet Shoppe. You can also stop by Yuletide Food and Spirits, another popular concession spot, for seasonal beverages, snacks and desserts.
- Brewdolph Bash: Thursday, Nov. 21 from 6-10 p.m.
- Polar Paws and Santa Claws Holiday 5K: Sunday, Dec. 8
- Visit with Santa: 4-8 p.m. daily, Nov. 23-Dec. 23 (On Nov. 22, Santa is available at 6:45 p.m. following tree lighting ceremony)
- Noon Year's Eve: Tuesday, Dec. 31 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Rides and activities
- Ride bundles
- 4-pass bundle: $12 (valid through Dec. 31, 2024)
- 7-pass bundle: $20 (valid through Dec. 31, 2024)
- Wild pass: $25 (unlimited rides and valid on date of purchase)
- Ice slide: $3.50 per ride or ride bundles available
- Carousel: $3.50 per ride (Indoor African Carousel)
- Ice carving demo: Thursdays in December at 6 p.m. in the Main Plaza (included with zoo admission)
- Reindeer Encounter: Nancy L. & Martin Davidson Barnyard (included with zoo admission)
- Holly Jolly Express: $3.50 per ride (Friday, Saturday and Sunday only; weather permitting)
- Swanton Model Train Railroad Club: Starting 5 p.m. daily in the Nature's Neighborhood (Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day; included with zoo admission)
Vote for Toledo Zoo Lights Before Christmas
Do you think the Toledo Zoo has the best holiday zoo lights in the country? Make your voice heard HERE on USA Today 10Best.
