The Zoo is proud to present The Gift of Lights, a holiday lights experience, efficiently powered by Indiana Michigan Power. The Gift of Lights will run Friday through Sunday, November 29 to December 22, 5 to 9 pm (last admission at 8:30). More than a million lights will be wrapped around trees and in free-standing displays.

The Zoo will close at 4 pm on November 29, 30, and December 1 to prepare for the event (last admission at 3:30 pm).

The Congo Café will be open with hot chocolate, coffee, and a limited menu. The Otter Outpost will be open with snacks, beverages, and special seasonal adult drinks: mulled wine and spiked hot cocoa. State Fair Mini Donuts will also be available at the Otter Outpost. Round Barn Winery and Brewery will have adult drink sampling every Friday from 5-7 pm in the entrance corral.

This year, the Gift Shop will be open in the new entrance building. Santa will be in the Gift Shop every night from 6-8 pm.

Regular admission tickets are available at Martin’s Super Market and at the Zoo’s entrance each open night. Members’ tickets are only available from the members’ line at the entrance.

Ticket pricing is as follows:

Regular adult (15+) ticket: $10
Regular child (3-14) ticket: $5
Member adult: $7
Member child: $3

Children 2 and under are free. The Polar Zoo Train tickets will be $3, and include a bell, sticker, and hot chocolate sample. The train will run as weather allows.

The carousel will not be running during The Gift of Lights.

The Learning Center will be open. For the health and safety of our animals, some of the outside exhibits are closed after dark and in cold weather.

The Gift of Lights is sponsored by Indiana Michigan Power, WNDU, U-93: Today’s Best Music, Visit South Bend Mishawaka. Lazar Scientific, Inc., is sponsoring a special charity night.