Interested in a Christmas lights festival in New York? Christmas light displays are a Christmas tradition for many Americans, but if you’re looking for something a little different this year, consider booking an evening at the Holiday Lights Festival at the Bronx Zoo. In addition to one of the most expansive and ornate displays of an illuminated animal kingdom, the event features a variety of activities like ice sculpting, theater, and more. So if you’re in New York City at Christmas, be sure to enjoy Christmas at the Bronx Zoo!

Holiday Lights at the Bronx Zoo is one of the prettiest Christmas celebrations you'll find in New York, and it's right in the heart of New York City.
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The festival centers around an incredible collection of colorful, radiant illuminations that include all kinds of creatures in the animal kingdom, from a herd of zebras to a pandemonium of parrots.
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While touring this illuminated wonderland at night, you'll feel like the birds are hovering over you.
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Five lantern safaris spread out across the park showcase different wildlife of different regions and continents around the world, including Africa, Asia, Latin America, North America, and ocean life. It's truly one of the best Christmas lights displays in New York City.
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There's no shortage of entertainment when it comes to this zoo-themed holiday celebration; stilt walkers dressed as animals, ice sculpting competitions, costumed characters and wildlife-themed theater.
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Plus, the event will include another incredible feature this year: the Luminous Garden. Visitors can step inside an immersive garden of lights full of so many illuminated flowers and creatures that it feels like a garden has come to life.
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If you've got a a great s'more recipe, now is the time to share it with the world; the Holiday Lights "s'more experts" will select the three most creative entries, and the organization's culinary team will then recreate them for visitors to enjoy.
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By the end of the night, you'll be ready to book your Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights tickets for next year.
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Head to the Bronx Zoo for an amazing Christmas lights festival in New York. Learn more about the Bronx Zoo’s Holiday Lights, and then book your tickets to this year’s event. Does your family have any Christmas traditions in and around New York? You can share your favorite holly, jolly New York traditions with us in the comments or on our nomination page.

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Christmas in New York

Jessica Bohl | October 19, 2022

What are the best Christmas towns in Virginia?

Christmastime is a magical time of year. And there are some towns that just go all out during the holiday season. And fortunately, there are many awesome Christmas towns in New York. Corning, also known as the “Crystal City” hosts an annual Parade of Lights that is just stunning to see. The Corning Museum of Glass even has a tree made of 2,000 hand-blown glass ornaments – it’s truly a spectacular sight. Did you know there is a North Pole in New York? You’ll find it in the Adirondacks and it has a picture-perfect Santa’s Workshop that kids will love. Skaneateles is a town of just about 8,000, but it has some great holiday spirit. The annual Dickens Christmas is a must-see event and so much fun. Plus, there are a lot of great local shops where you can find the perfect Christmas gift for a friend or loved one.

What are some great light displays in New York?

You already have the Bronx Zoo on your Christmas lights display list, but there are a bunch more you can add! The Lights on the Lake in Liverpool is an amazing light display where you can see a fantasy forest, larger-than-life Land of Oz, colorful arches, animated scenes, and even a fairy tale magic grand finale. The Westchester Winter Wonderland in Valhalla is an enchanting seasonal festival. It includes 1.2 miles of holiday lights, Elf Disco, and a beautiful Peace on Earth LED display. Be sure to head over to Erie County and the Fairgrounds Festival of Lights in Hamburg for a memorable holiday festival. There, you can drive through a 1-mile long lights display that will bring you a lot of holiday cheer.

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