Philadelphia Zoo to light up the holidays with return of LumiNature

While most Philadelphians are embracing the Halloween spirit, it’s hard to ignore the fact that the holidays are right around the corner. And the Philadelphia Zoo is already preparing for its holiday extravaganza, which is set to begin on Nov. 18.

Philadelphia Zoo, at 3400 W. Girard Ave., will host LumiNature from Nov. 18 to Jan. 9. The giant-sized holiday display will transform the entire Zoo into a dazzling winter wonderland. Guests will experience a journey of lights, music, sounds and surprises. LumiNature will feature 14 illuminated experience zones that will feature lively themed displays, newly-enhanced installations and hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights.

Highlights include a 100 ft-long aquarium tunnel, enormous jellyfish, a brand new octopus tree, a 21-feet tall brilliant colored snake, hundreds of illuminated penguins, giant cat eyes glowing in the dark of night, a 22-feet-tall Butterfly Tree, a new Wilderness Express Train, and a 25-foot tree made entirely of lit flamingo lawn ornaments.

“We are really excited to bring LumiNature back to the Zoo and to our great region,” said Philadelphia Zoo’s chief marketing and experience officer Amy Shearer in a statement. “We have made amazing embellishments, added more areas to enjoy, draped tons and tons of lights, included more sights and sounds, and created a truly joyous multimedia experience. LumiNature is the most unique and memorable holiday light show in the region. We are proud to present something that families won’t be able to experience anywhere else.”

Dancing lights, sounds and media throughout the Zoo will create magical illusions of big cats and peacocks coming to life; flamingos flocking on a 25-foot-tall tree; and hundreds of penguins hosting an outdoor party of their very own. LumiNature is designed to inspire a sense of wonder and connection as all these elements come together in this first-of-its-kind experience.

LumiNature is a nighttime experience, with timed entrance tickets available every half hour from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults (12+) and $20 for kids (2-11) and are on sale now. For tickets and membership information, visit www.philadelphiazoo.org.