LumiNature FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About LumiNature
What is LumiNature presented by PNC Bank?
LumiNature presented by PNC Bank is the Zoo’s interactive holiday adventure come to life through dazzling lights, festive surprises, and new ways for families to make holiday memories. Throughout the Zoo, larger-than-life illuminated letters to Santa Claws reveal the animals’ holiday wishes, inspired by their unique personalities and favorite things. Follow their holiday wishes through 14 enchanting stops, bring your Zoo Key to unlock surprises, use your Book of Wishes to reveal clues and collect stamps, and of course, meet Santa Claws!
How do I get tickets?
Tickets for LumiNature are available through the Zoo’s website. Guests are encouraged to buy early and save on admission. Tickets are timed to ensure the best experience. For more flexibility, guests can purchase Anytime Tickets, valid for one visit on any operating night.
When can I visit?
LumiNature presented by PNC Bank is open most nights from Thursday, November 19 through Saturday, January 9, 2027. See full operating calendar on our ticketing page.
What will I see at LumiNature presented by PNC?
Dress for the weather and enjoy an evening of unforgettable sights, sounds, and surprises inspired by the animals who call the Zoo home. Guest will experience new stops including a 20-foot-tall illuminated banana tree at Monkey Business and the rather distinguished Postmaster General Owl at the Enchanted Forest. Old favorites return with new twists, including the magnificent 40-foot-tall penguin, now towering directly overhead at Bird Lake Plaza, and use your Zoo key at the iconic lawn ornament flamingo tree for a surprise!
Will I see the Zoo's animals during LumiNature presented by PNC?
New for 2026, KidZooU will be open every evening from 5:00–7:00 p.m. during LumiNature, featuring holiday-themed activities and special animal surprises every half hour at 5:30, 6:00 and 6:30 p.m. Guests can enjoy ambassador animal meet-and-greets, wildlife chats and special animal enrichment sessions.
As guests explore the rest of the Zoo, they may spot some animals still enjoying their outdoor habitats, while many others have settled into their indoor bedrooms for the night. Some are night owls, ready to explore! Keep your eyes open— you never know who you might see!
As guests explore the rest of the Zoo, they may spot some animals still enjoying their outdoor habitats, while many others have settled into their indoor bedrooms for the night. Some are night owls, ready to explore! Keep your eyes open— you never know who you might see!
Who is Santa Claws?
New for this holiday season, a very special visitor is making his way to Philadelphia Zoo! Meet Santa Claws, a lovable lion with a heart as big as his holiday spirit. As the Zoo's animals share their wishes for the things that make their lives happier, healthier, and more enriching, Santa Claws invites guests to discover how even the smallest wishes can make a meaningful difference. Along the way, guests can visit Santa Claws at his festive lodge for a memorable holiday photo (selfie style!) and a little extra magic.
What is the Book of Wishes?
Upon arrival to the Zoo for their LumiNature experience, guests will receive a special booklet. The Book of Wishes invites guests to follow the animals' stories throughout LumiNature, discover their wishes, and create a keepsake of the evening's discoveries.
What is the Enrichment Wishlist?
The holiday wishes featured throughout LumiNature also invite guests to share the spirit of giving. Philadelphia Zoo is updating its animal wish list page to create an opportunity for guests to help make an animal wish come true. Click here to see the list!
Will I see Santa at LumiNature presented by PNC?
On select nights throughout December, Santa Claus will be visiting LumiNature for Snapshots with Santa. This add-on ticket includes a special visit with Santa, a printed 4”x6” family photo taken by a professional photographer (plus the option to add on a limited-edition Philadelphia Zoo picture frame), plus official Nice List certificate and full-sized candy canes for all the kiddos. Dates are December 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23.
What is the Philly Zoo Pherris Wheel?
The Philly Zoo Pherris Wheel is a 110 ft. tall ride with breathtaking scenes of the Zoo, city skyline, Schuylkill River, Philadelphia Museum of Art and beyond. Guests must be at least at least 32" tall to ride with a supervising adult. Each gondola can fit up to six guests.
How can guests ride the Pherris Wheel?
Guests will be able to purchase tickets to the Pherris Wheel online or onsite during their visit. Guests can even purchase a bundle ticket with the Pherris Wheel for LumiNature. Zoo members receive a discount.
Are the Member Value Nights to visit LumiNature at a discount?
Yes! Zoo members can enjoy $16 tickets on the following nights:
Thursday, November 19
Friday, November 20
Saturday, November 21
Sunday, November 22
Tuesday, November 24
Wednesday, December 2
Monday, December 7
Tuesday, December 8
Wednesday, December 9
Saturday, January 2
Sunday, January 3
On all other nights, Student, Zoo for You, Zoo for 2, and Zoo for 4 members enjoy a 10% discount on LumiNature. Zoo for More, Zoo Explorer and Friends members enjoy a 20% discount on other nights.
Thursday, November 19
Friday, November 20
Saturday, November 21
Sunday, November 22
Tuesday, November 24
Wednesday, December 2
Monday, December 7
Tuesday, December 8
Wednesday, December 9
Saturday, January 2
Sunday, January 3
On all other nights, Student, Zoo for You, Zoo for 2, and Zoo for 4 members enjoy a 10% discount on LumiNature. Zoo for More, Zoo Explorer and Friends members enjoy a 20% discount on other nights.
What is the LumiNature Cocktail Walk?
The first-ever LumiNature cocktail walk is happening Saturday, December 5, 2026, from 5:00-9:00 p.m. Guests ages 21 and older can enjoy six tastings at six locations throughout the Zoo. The event begins at 5:00 p.m., with the final pour at 8:45 p.m. LumiNature closes at 9:00 p.m. A valid photo ID is required. Tickets and additional information are available here.
Can I rent an Igloo at LumiNature?
Yes! Guests are welcome to add on an igloo rental for their evening at LumiNature on any operating night. Rental lasts for one hour and includes 4 hot chocolates, 2 s’mores kits (3 s’mores per kit). Guests can save 15% ($30 off) if they book their rental before November 30! Igloos are next to Santa Claws’ Lodge. Click here for details.
What seasonal food can I enjoy at LumiNature?
A variety of seasonal favorites will be available throughout the Zoo, including hot chocolate and hot apple cider with an optional alcoholic addition and candy cane-shaped pretzels. Guests can also create their own popcorn candy buckets, selecting from classic, caramel, or cheddar popcorn and adding up to three candy toppings, including chocolate, gummies, and other sweet treats.
What should I wear to LumiNature?
Please wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather! LumiNature is mainly an outdoor experience.
Is LumiNature rain, snow or shine?
LumiNature is an outdoor experience that takes place rain, snow or shine! We encourage guests to dress for the weather and enjoy the magic of the season. In the event of severe weather, including high winds, icy conditions, heavy snowfall or other conditions that may compromise the safety of our guests, staff or animals, Philadelphia Zoo reserves the right to delay, modify or cancel the event.
If LumiNature is canceled due to severe weather, ticket holders will be notified by email, and updates will be posted on the Philadelphia Zoo website and social media channels.
If an evening is canceled by the Zoo, guests will be provided with information about exchanging their tickets for another available LumiNature date. Tickets are otherwise nonrefundable and nontransferable.
If LumiNature is canceled due to severe weather, ticket holders will be notified by email, and updates will be posted on the Philadelphia Zoo website and social media channels.
If an evening is canceled by the Zoo, guests will be provided with information about exchanging their tickets for another available LumiNature date. Tickets are otherwise nonrefundable and nontransferable.
Where can I park for LumiNature?
Guests can park in the Garage on Girard Ave or the Tiger Lot on 34th Street. Parking is $22. Members receive one free vehicle per membership per visit.
Where can I learn more about accessibility at LumiNature?
Please visit our Accessibility & Amenities page to learn more.
What are the 14 experience zones at LumiNature?
The Journey of Wishes: A Story Told in Light
LumiNature returns with a new holiday story inspired by the animals of Philadelphia Zoo. Larger-than-life illuminated letters to Santa Claws invite guests to discover the animals' wishes as they make their way through a series of light displays, interactive experiences, and familiar Zoo favorites.
Highlights of this year’s event, in order of appearance, include:
Flutter Flair
The evening begins beneath a spectacular 22-foot-tall Butterfly Tree, where 4,000 illuminated butterflies create a colorful welcome. Guests can use their Zoo Key to activate the display and watch the tree come to life.
NEW FOR THIS YEAR: North Pole Post Office
Oversized envelopes, overflowing mailbags, parcels, and letters set the scene at the North Pole Post Office. As guests enter, they are introduced to the animals' wishes and the Book of Wishes, which accompanies them throughout their visit. Nearby, the Impala Fountain offers another opportunity to use a Zoo Key and discover an interactive surprise.
Slither & Shimmer
Brilliant purples, blues, and greens illuminate this colorful stretch of the journey, where a giant snake featuring more than 5,000 lights takes center stage. Illuminated insects, including dragonflies, ladybugs, and grasshoppers, add to the experience.
NEW FOR THIS YEAR: Wishes from the Wild
Guests begin to understand that wishes come from every corner of the animal kingdom—from creatures who slither and crawl to those who swim, soar, climb, and roam. Be on the lookout for a giant crocodile, floating jellyfish, luminescent coral and a sea turtle tree all bathed in blue-green light. Here, guests can visit KidZooU, which will be opening nightly from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., and includes special animal surprises every half hour, including ambassador animal meet-and-greets, wildlife chats and additional animal enrichment sessions.
NEW FOR THIS YEAR: Monkey Business
The primates are getting into the holiday spirit! A 20-foot-tall illuminated banana tree takes center stage, surrounded by glowing vines and playful primate displays. Guests can also use their Zoo Key to activate an interactive surprise.
Silent Paws
Golden grasses, illuminated bamboo, and glowing trees create an atmosphere of mystery along the pathway. Animal footprints appear, and glimpses of eyes emerge from the shadows, offering a reminder that the wild is never quite as far away as it seems.
Penguin Passage
One of LumiNature's most recognizable displays takes on a prominent position at Bird Lake Plaza. Standing 40 feet tall and illuminated by approximately 40,000 lights, the giant penguin provides a spectacular photo opportunity and a familiar favorite for returning visitors.
The Enchanted Forest
Guests enter an illuminated forest where glowing birds, twinkling lights, and woodland details create a setting that feels a world away from the city. Watching over the scene is the Postmaster General Owl, keeping an eye on the animals' wishes as they make their way to Santa Claws. Another Zoo Key activation adds an interactive element to the experience.
Flamingo Fancy
The Zoo's iconic pink flamingo tree returns, standing 25 feet tall and featuring approximately 1,500 illuminated lawn flamingos. This colorful area also includes retro-inspired displays and a Zoo Key activation.
Starlit Savannah
The African Plains take on a different character after dark. Illuminated giraffes rise above glowing grasses, while a rhinoceros and other wildlife displays appear against a landscape that gradually transitions from the warm colors of sunset to a sky filled with stars.
NEW FOR THIS YEAR: Bear Whispers
Inspired by the Zoo's Andean and sloth bears, this winter woodland features illuminated trees, shimmering lights, and oversized paw prints along the pathway.
Santa Claws' Lodge
At the Garden Pavilion, guests finally have an opportunity to meet Santa Claws, the lion at the center of this year's holiday story. Visitors can capture a holiday photograph (selfie style!), enjoy seasonal treats and beverages, and admire (and vote for their favorite!) holiday trees decorated by neighboring West Philadelphia community groups as part of the Our Neck of the Woods display. Live musical performances will add to the atmosphere on select evenings.
NEW FOR THIS YEAR: Field of Wishes
Thousands of points of light stretch across the landscape, creating a glowing field inspired by the wishes discovered throughout the evening. The display offers a memorable transition toward the final stop on the journey.
Wishes Fulfilled
The evening concludes at the 110-foot Philly Zoo Pherris Wheel, where guests can take in sweeping views of the illuminated Zoo and the Philadelphia skyline. The Pherris Wheel provides a fitting finale to a journey centered on the animals, their wishes, and the joy of making wishes come true.
LumiNature returns with a new holiday story inspired by the animals of Philadelphia Zoo. Larger-than-life illuminated letters to Santa Claws invite guests to discover the animals' wishes as they make their way through a series of light displays, interactive experiences, and familiar Zoo favorites.
Highlights of this year’s event, in order of appearance, include:
Flutter Flair
The evening begins beneath a spectacular 22-foot-tall Butterfly Tree, where 4,000 illuminated butterflies create a colorful welcome. Guests can use their Zoo Key to activate the display and watch the tree come to life.
NEW FOR THIS YEAR: North Pole Post Office
Oversized envelopes, overflowing mailbags, parcels, and letters set the scene at the North Pole Post Office. As guests enter, they are introduced to the animals' wishes and the Book of Wishes, which accompanies them throughout their visit. Nearby, the Impala Fountain offers another opportunity to use a Zoo Key and discover an interactive surprise.
Slither & Shimmer
Brilliant purples, blues, and greens illuminate this colorful stretch of the journey, where a giant snake featuring more than 5,000 lights takes center stage. Illuminated insects, including dragonflies, ladybugs, and grasshoppers, add to the experience.
NEW FOR THIS YEAR: Wishes from the Wild
Guests begin to understand that wishes come from every corner of the animal kingdom—from creatures who slither and crawl to those who swim, soar, climb, and roam. Be on the lookout for a giant crocodile, floating jellyfish, luminescent coral and a sea turtle tree all bathed in blue-green light. Here, guests can visit KidZooU, which will be opening nightly from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., and includes special animal surprises every half hour, including ambassador animal meet-and-greets, wildlife chats and additional animal enrichment sessions.
NEW FOR THIS YEAR: Monkey Business
The primates are getting into the holiday spirit! A 20-foot-tall illuminated banana tree takes center stage, surrounded by glowing vines and playful primate displays. Guests can also use their Zoo Key to activate an interactive surprise.
Silent Paws
Golden grasses, illuminated bamboo, and glowing trees create an atmosphere of mystery along the pathway. Animal footprints appear, and glimpses of eyes emerge from the shadows, offering a reminder that the wild is never quite as far away as it seems.
Penguin Passage
One of LumiNature's most recognizable displays takes on a prominent position at Bird Lake Plaza. Standing 40 feet tall and illuminated by approximately 40,000 lights, the giant penguin provides a spectacular photo opportunity and a familiar favorite for returning visitors.
The Enchanted Forest
Guests enter an illuminated forest where glowing birds, twinkling lights, and woodland details create a setting that feels a world away from the city. Watching over the scene is the Postmaster General Owl, keeping an eye on the animals' wishes as they make their way to Santa Claws. Another Zoo Key activation adds an interactive element to the experience.
Flamingo Fancy
The Zoo's iconic pink flamingo tree returns, standing 25 feet tall and featuring approximately 1,500 illuminated lawn flamingos. This colorful area also includes retro-inspired displays and a Zoo Key activation.
Starlit Savannah
The African Plains take on a different character after dark. Illuminated giraffes rise above glowing grasses, while a rhinoceros and other wildlife displays appear against a landscape that gradually transitions from the warm colors of sunset to a sky filled with stars.
NEW FOR THIS YEAR: Bear Whispers
Inspired by the Zoo's Andean and sloth bears, this winter woodland features illuminated trees, shimmering lights, and oversized paw prints along the pathway.
Santa Claws' Lodge
At the Garden Pavilion, guests finally have an opportunity to meet Santa Claws, the lion at the center of this year's holiday story. Visitors can capture a holiday photograph (selfie style!), enjoy seasonal treats and beverages, and admire (and vote for their favorite!) holiday trees decorated by neighboring West Philadelphia community groups as part of the Our Neck of the Woods display. Live musical performances will add to the atmosphere on select evenings.
NEW FOR THIS YEAR: Field of Wishes
Thousands of points of light stretch across the landscape, creating a glowing field inspired by the wishes discovered throughout the evening. The display offers a memorable transition toward the final stop on the journey.
Wishes Fulfilled
The evening concludes at the 110-foot Philly Zoo Pherris Wheel, where guests can take in sweeping views of the illuminated Zoo and the Philadelphia skyline. The Pherris Wheel provides a fitting finale to a journey centered on the animals, their wishes, and the joy of making wishes come true.