Step into a magical winter wonderland as Zoo Lights & Christmas Nights returns for its 15th season at 3 Palms Zoo! Stroll illuminated pathways surrounded by thousands of twinkling lights, nostalgic glowing blow mold displays, festive holiday music, and resident nocturnal rescue animals active under the night sky. Event Highlights: Free Visits & Photos with Santa: Meet Santa inside his cozy living room in the life-sized Gingerbread House (bring your own camera—photos and visits are completely free!). Fireside Treats: Warm up around the outdoor fire pits with complimentary hot chocolate and marshmallows for roasting, included with admission. Christmas in Candy Land: Stroll by glowing holiday displays down Chocolate Ave, Ice Cream St, and Candy Cane Ln. Nocturnal Rescues: Check in on foxes, eastern screech owls, waterfowl, and other rescued sanctuary residents awake after dark. Classic Character Displays: Enjoy illuminated scenes featuring Snoopy, Rudolph, The Grinch, Disney favorites, and a traditional Nativity. Zoo Lights is an outdoor, weather-permitting event. Closures are announced on the 3 Palms Zoo Facebook page one hour prior to opening. All gate and ticket proceeds directly fund the care, feeding, and medical needs of resident sanctuary animals.
Date and Time
Sunday Dec 20, 2026 Saturday Dec 26, 2026
Dates: Fridays & Saturdays, November 27 – December 26, 2026 (Closed Christmas Day, Friday, Dec 25) Hours: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Last entry at 7:30 PM) Active Dates (9 nights): Nov 27 & Nov 28 Dec 4 & Dec 5 Dec 11 & Dec 12 Dec 18 & Dec 19 Dec 26
Location
3 Palms Zoo & Education Center 1060 Vandyke Greenspring Rd Townsend, DE 19734
Fees/Admission
Cash at Gate: $6.00 per person Card at Gate / Online Express Pass: $7.00 per person Infants (Under 12 months): Free (Admission includes light displays, animal viewing, Santa visits, hot cocoa, and marshmallows.)
Website
Contact Information
Matthew Shaffner
(302) 715-1326
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