Forget toys, games, and the latest electronics. This holiday season, the wish lists at Philadelphia Zoo look a little different.
LumiNature returns Thursday, Nov. 19, with an all-new interactive holiday adventure inspired by the animals who call the Zoo home.
The annual light show will transform the grounds into a festive wonderland featuring one million dazzling lights, holiday sounds and 14 illuminated stops filled with interactive surprises.
This year's experience follows the animals' letters to Santa Claws, with larger-than-life illuminated displays revealing their holiday wishes based on their unique personalities and favorite things. Guests can follow those wishes through 14 enchanting stops filled with one million dazzling lights, festive sounds, and interactive surprises.
Here's how it works: Upon arrival, guests will receive a Book of Wishes to reveal clues and capture discoveries throughout their journey as a holiday keepsake.
Leading this year's festivities is Santa Claws, a lovable lion making his Philadelphia debut. At his festive lodge, visitors can snap a holiday photo with Santa Claws (selfie style) and learn how small acts of generosity can make a big difference in the lives of animals at the Zoo and around the world.
"In the spirit of the season, we’re inviting guests to help make wishes come true for animals here at the Zoo and around the world, bringing the joy of giving to this special holiday experience," said Philadelphia Zoo President and CEO Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman. “From unlocking surprises with your Zoo Key to meeting Santa Claws, there’s magic around every corner."
Also new this year, KidZooU is offering holiday-themed activities and special animal experiences every half hour from 5 to 7 p.m. during LumiNature. Programming will include ambassador animal meet-and-greets, wildlife chats and additional animal enrichment sessions.
The illuminated attractions offer plenty of photo opportunities along the way. Visitors can take in the 22-foot Butterfly Tree, a 20-foot illuminated banana tree at Monkey Business and a new 40-foot-tall penguin towering over Bird Lake Plaza. The iconic pink flamingo tree returns, along with The Enchanted Forest, an illuminated woodland featuring birds and a distinguished Postmaster General Owl.
Another new stop, the North Pole Post Office, welcomes visitors with oversized envelopes, overflowing mailbags, parcels and letters. Here, guests can discover the animals' wishes and pick up their Book of Wishes before beginning their holiday adventure.
At the Garden Pavilion, Santa Claws' Lodge offers another chance to soak up the seasonal spirit. In addition to meeting Santa Claws, guests can enjoy holiday treats and beverages and check out the Our Neck of the Woods display, featuring holiday trees decorated by neighboring West Philadelphia community groups. Visitors can even vote for their favorite trees. Live musical performances will take place on select evenings.
Families with Zoo Keys can bring them along to unlock additional interactive surprises at five locations: Flutter Flair, Impala Fountain, Monkey Business, Flamingo Fancy and The Enchanted Forest. Zoo Keys will also be available for purchase.
There is no shortage of seasonal treats, either. Visitors can warm up with hot chocolate and apple cider, including boozy options for adults, and enjoy an assortment of sweet and savory holiday snacks. Activities include roasting s'mores, decorating cookies and creating personalized ornaments to take home.
Visitors can also hop aboard the SEPTA PZ Express Kidde Train for a ride through the twinkling lights, then wrap up the evening with a spin on the 110-foot-tall Philly Zoo Pherris Wheel, where you can take in beautiful views of the city skyline.
Beyond the lights and festivities, LumiNature is also an opportunity to give back. The animal-inspired wishes featured throughout the experience encourage guests to support enrichment and conservation efforts. The Philadelphia Zoo is updating its online animal wish list to give visitors an opportunity to help make an animal's wish come true. More information is available at philadelphiazoo.org/luminature.
LumiNature runs most nights Nov. 19 through Jan. 9, from 5 to 9 p.m. Timed and anytime tickets are on sale at philadelphiazoo.org.
