Wildlife Gets Into Holiday Spirit At Zoo's Christmas In The Wild

SEMINOLE HEIGHTS, FL -- ZooTampa at Lowry Park has been transformed into a winter wonderland for the zoo's annual tribute to the holidays, Christmas in the Wild.

From twinkling lights and seasonal holiday treats and refreshments to the wonder of wildlife at night, Christmas in the Wild will take place on select nights in November and December after 4 p.m.

The holiday feature is included in single-day admission and annual membership.

The big guy in red will return to Santa’s Village to take Christmas wish lists. Make your free Santa reservation on the day of your visit. While you enjoy the festivities, you will receive a text when it’s your turn to tell Santa your wish list. Santa will be at the zoo until Dec. 23.

Then satisfy your Christmas cravings. The zoo’s head chef, Itza Henderson, has created a menu that includes ribs with a smokey holiday glaze, roasted turkey and brie flatbread along with a holiday burger complete with bacon, cranberry relish, shaved Brussel sprouts and feta cheese.

The zoo's wildlife is also getting into the spirit of the season. They will participate in special themed activities including Presents for Primates and Ornaments & Elephants. “A Present for Hazel,” a holiday-themed animal show returns this year, featuring the zoo's most famous animal ambassadors.

For those with a sweet tooth, get ready to indulge in decadent desserts including a selection of hot chocolates, Sugar Plum Fairy Float, red and green ice cream, peppermint mousse and deconstructed apple pie. And for those looking to spice up the night a little more, mixologists at the zoo have created custom cocktails including peppermint martinis and Christmas sangria.

Christmas in the Wild offers a variety of entertainment including a 50-foot animated Christmas tree complete with 12,000 dancing lights, 2,000 ornaments, an 8-foot star and a light show that runs every 30 minutes.

Zoo visits will also enjoy the merry sounds from a school choir and carolers dressed in Dickens-era costumes performing traditional classics as well as contemporary favorites.

Other holiday-themed areas include Holiday Hoedown, Polar Paradise, Story Time with Mrs. Claus and Candy Cane Lane where visitors will see a festive performance from the candy cane girls.

ZooTampa is located at 1101 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa. For more information, click here.

Image via ZooTampa

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