Philadelphia Zoo’s Holiday Light Tradition Set to Reach New Heights With the Philly Zoo Pherris Wheel and More than a Million Lights

Philadelphia Zoo’s nature-inspired holiday light show, LumiNature presented by PNC, is back and brighter than ever, reaching new heights with the grand opening of the Philly Zoo Pherris Wheel, a 110 ft. tall observation wheel with breathtaking scenes of the more than a million twinkling lights that will fill the Zoo and jaw-dropping sights of the city skyline.

New for this year, and joining the more than a dozen whimsical wildlife scenes come to light, are Santa’s Lodge, a cozy indoor space with the chance to say hello to the big man himself, and Jambi’s Solstice Saloon, the perfect spot to chill along the beaming river. Favorite returning illuminated displays include the high-energy Penguin Prismatic show with a 40 ft. tall penguin shining with 40,000 lights and the famous 25 ft. tall pink flamingo tree, made entirely out of 1,500 lawn ornament flamingos. Plus, bring your old Zoo Key, or purchase a new one at the Zoo’s gift shops, to turn on the magic in select areas. LumiNature opens Thursday, November 20 and is open most nights through Saturday, January 3 from 5:00-9:00pm. Tickets are available on the Zoo’s website with prices varying by visit; best prices are available the earlier tickets are purchased. The Zoo’s ticket calendar will show all operating nights.

“Winter at the Zoo is different and still a wonderful time to visit,” said Philadelphia Zoo President & CEO Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman. “This light show is designed for guests of all ages to connect with animals, each other, and the beauty of our planet during the holiday season. We’re really excited to have the addition of the Philly Zoo Pherris Wheel, which will stay at the Zoo through the 250th celebrations in 2026.”

The Philly Zoo Pherris Wheel is a thrilling addition to the Zoo for the holiday season and beyond. This observation wheel takes guests more than 100 ft. in the air to soak in the sights of the Zoo, city skyline, Schuylkill River, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Boat House Row and beyond. This is the first time in the Zoo’s 150+ year history that the Zoo has had a Ferris wheel on its campus. Guests must be at least at least 32″ tall to ride with a supervising adult. Each gondola can fit up to six guests and the ride lasts about seven minutes. Tickets prices vary by visit date and Zoo members get a discount. Tickets can be purchased in advance or onsite. The Philly Pherris Wheel is located just past the Zoo’s Main Entrance and is open during both LumiNature nighttime hours and Zoo daytime hours.

Around every corner of the Zoo during LumiNature, whimsical wildlife scenes come to light to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. Experience dazzling displays featuring your favorite creatures, play and dance with roaming animal characters, indulge in festive holiday fare, and have a wild time. LumiNature is the place where magical memories are made and all visits support animal conservation around the world.

LumiNature Highlights

Highlights of this year’s event include, with added theatrical elements, in order of appearance include:

• Flutter Flair: Marvel at a stunning 22 ft. tall tree where 4,000 butterflies have come to congregate. Use your Zoo Key to watch the tree come to life.
• The Magic Fountain: Colors and lights come to life with a turn of your Zoo Key. Plus, watch the lights dance as whimsical wildlife scenes welcome you to the adventure that lies ahead.
• Snake Awake: Follow the snake off into the adventure ahead through brilliant purples, blues and greens. Perfect your most slithery moves with a hula-hoop lesson from the very “brightest” of teachers.
• Flamingo Fancy and the Flamingo Tree: Flamingo Fancy, featuring 150,000 sparkling pink and aquamarine lights, has flamingos standing straight as can be as they approach the Zoo’s iconic 25 ft. tall pink flamingo tree made entirely of 1,500 lit lawn flamingos. Even Big Blue the Gorilla is dressed for the occasion!
• Beary Sweet: Walk through a world of gummy bears, candy and sweet treats galore.
• The Penguin Prismatic Show with Pixel the Penguin: This high-energy show features a 40 ft. tall penguin glimmering with 40,000 lights to favorite winter tunes and songs that sing an ode to the city of Philadelphia.
• The Call of Adventure: Take a break and warm up inside the Zoo’s iconic Treehouse play space where you’ll step right into a tale that will prepare you for your journey ahead.
• Philadelphia Zoower: What lies in the pipes beneath the Zoo? It’s a more colorful situation than you may think! The sounds of Philly echo above as you explore the Zoower, and travel deeper into wild.
• Seasonbration: The solar system looms beautifully in the sky as colors come to life via an oversized, Earth- shaped 3D screen showing programmed lights, music, sound effects and color, all under a canopy of glowing lights. This show celebrates the 4 seasons on our planet. Plus, take a ride on the SEPTA PZ Express Train. This area is teeming with energy as performers weave through the night.
• Enchanted Fairy Forest: The Bubble Fairy greets you and grants you access to the Enchanted Fairy Forest, as you step into her bubble vortex… a privilege few humans enjoy. Walk through a more than 300 ft. illuminated tunnel glowing with 4,000 lights. Will the fairies welcome you? And what of the Troll by the gate?
• Jambi’s Solstice Saloon: Sit back, relax and enjoy the grooves at this pop-up bar serving up favorite cocktails and mocktails, perfect to enjoy riverside. Indonesian pop music will fill the air as Geckos dance and poi spinners light up the night.
• River Adventure: Take a ride down the river as you gaze on a dynamic projection show highlighting the wilds of Africa.
• Arctic Trek: Bright whites and cool blues envelop you as you march through the arctic toward Santa’s Lodge.
• The Lodge: Enjoy this cozy indoor space with the chance to say hello to the big man himself. Santa invites you to join in his holiday party. Grab a drink, shop for gifts, or enjoy making some s’mores and relaxing in our outdoor lounge.

Throughout the Zoo, guests will have the chance to stop for a variety of sips, sweets and treats. Hot chocolate (with a boozy option) and hot apple cider plus candy cane shaped pretzels and popcorn candy bars will satisfy any palate. Guests can also roast their own s’mores over a fire pit, decorate their own cookies, or decorate an ornament to take home and remember their experience.

In addition to the Philly Zoo Pherris Wheel, guests can take a ride on the SEPTA PZ Express train and enjoy a trip through the sparkling lights. Guests can also choose their favorite animal and take a spin on the Amazon Rainforest Carousel, the first of its kind in the United States featuring endangered species found within the jungles of the Amazon.

The Zoo’s giftshops will be open during LumiNature hours along with a few popup stands throughout the campus. Glow items include necklaces, wands, toy swords and hats that will be available for purchase.

LumiNature opens Thursday, November 20, and is open most nights through Saturday, January 3. This outdoor, nighttime experience is open from 5:00-9:00pm with timed tickets for entry available every half hour. Tickets for adults ages 12+ are $22 to $29, children ages 2-11 are $18 to $24, and children under 2 are free. Purchase Anytime Tickets ($32 for adults and $27 for children) and visit LumiNature any operating night without advance reservations. Zoo members receive a discount on all tickets. Philadelphia Zoo is located at 3400 W. Girard Ave. Parking is available in nearby Zoo parking lots for an additional cost. Visit the Zoo’s website for more information.