Wild Wonderland at Lowry Park Zoo

It’s going to be brrr-illiant! Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo is transforming into a whimsical world of holiday magic for Wild Wonderland, presented by Publix Super Markets Charities. Tickets are available online and at the Zoo’s front gate.

On Dec. 7, 13-15, 17-23 and 26-30, more than a million twinkling lights will illuminate the night, and the forecast calls for 100 percent chance of snowfall with “Florida flurries.”

           
New this year, stroll the Treats & Treasures Hometown Village, a holiday fantasy village featuring a festive array of delightful shops with animated storefront windows, tasty treats and gifts. Heralding in the holiday season, a new Merry Music Tree of Lights overlooks the Village, presenting a spectacular light show choreographed to joyful holiday tunes.

Another “cool” addition to the seasonal celebration is a magical new Frozen Forest, a white crystal light experience. Enter through an icicle light tunnel with twinkling trees and thousands of white lights, faux snow and ice, and LED light animals.   

           
Don’t miss Santa’s merry mammals -- real reindeer -- who have traveled South just for this event. Their best-dressed friends, the penguins, will also stay up late, and African animals will be on exhibit under the starry night sky in Safari Spectacular.

Families can join in some Reindeer Games, chill out on the Arctic Blast Ice Slide - 100 feet of frozen fun – and watch little elves jump for joy on new inflatables.

As always, guests will find dazzling decorations and radiant lights throughout the Zoo’s pathways, including the Enchanted Castle Light Show, a musical light show set against the beautiful backdrop of a castle entryway, and charming animated displays like the newly expanded Visions of Sugarplums.

More merriment awaits with returning family favorites like visits with Santa, free Zoo rides, Frosty & friends walk-around characters, decadent treats from the Zoo’s own Sweet Shoppe, Christmas cookie decorating, festive music, and wild gifts at the holiday shop.

‘Tis the season of giving, and by attending Wild Wonderland, guests are helping to support the Zoo, an independent 501(c)(3) charitable organization providing an exciting nature-based entertainment destination, center for wildlife conservation, and educational resource for the community.

Admission for Wild Wonderland is $14 for adults (ages 12 and over), $11 for children (ages 3-11), and free for ages 2 and under.  Annual Zoo Pass holders receive discounts. Parking is free. Tickets may be purchased on the Wild Wonderland web site, at the front gate during business hours, or on the night of the event. Also find Wild Wonderland on Facebook.