There are a lot of wonderful holiday experiences in Wisconsin – festive downtown parades, quaint holiday markets, and charming Christmas concerts can be found all over the state. But one holiday experience is especially unique and memorable. Christmas at the Zoo at the Shalom Wildlife Zoo is a Wisconsin family holiday event that you won’t forget. Here’s why.

The Shalom Wildlife Zoo is located in rural Washington County, a short drive north of West Bend. Its name comes from the word for “peace” in Hebrew.
Facebook / Shalom Wildlife Sanctuary
The zoo first opened in 1979, and it’s home to many unusual and exotic species. It’s a safari-style zoo, so you cover some ground when you tour the 100-acre property. In warmer months, you can hike through the zoo or rent a golf cart.
Facebook / Shalom Wildlife Sanctuary
Ordinarily, you can’t drive through the zoo, but Christmas at the Zoo allows vehicles to enter the property. It’s an incredible little drive.
Facebook / Shalom Wildlife Sanctuary

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The entire zoo is illuminated with LED holiday lighting, and there are special Christmas displays throughout the property.
Facebook / Shalom Wildlife Sanctuary
During the event, you can see some of the zoo’s animals. It’s known as Wisconsin’s wildest zoo, and it’s home to 675 different species and more than 750 animals. They all live in a park-like setting that’s tranquil in any season.
Facebook / Shalom Wildlife Sanctuary
After touring the zoo, you can take a short walk to visit the petting zoo and enjoy a warm bonfire. This is a Christmas-season outing that people of all ages will enjoy!
Facebook / Shalom Wildlife Sanctuary

Shalom Wildlife Zoo is open daily during the holiday season. See the current hours of the zoo and learn more about this special holiday event on the zoo’s website. Once you’ve explored this wild holiday zoo, here are some towns where you can experience even more holiday magic.

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Featured Addresses
Shalom Wildlife Zoo, 1901 Shalom Dr, West Bend, WI 53090, USA