TOLEDO, Ohio — One of Northwest Ohio’s longtime holiday traditions returns Friday, Nov. 20, as the Toledo Zoo opens its annual Lights Before Christmas celebration.
The event runs through Dec. 31, featuring more than 1 million holiday lights, over 200 illuminated animal displays and the zoo’s 85-foot Norway spruce Christmas tree.
Opening night will feature a special drone show at approximately 6 p.m., followed by the lighting of the Big Tree. A second drone show is scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21. Both performances will feature 400 synchronized drones and can be viewed near the Amphitheatre and Formal Gardens.
Additional opening-night activities include visits with Santa, roaming holiday characters, performances by Masterworks Chorale, ice carving demonstrations and seasonal refreshments.
Hours and Admission
During Lights Before Christmas, the zoo opens at 3 p.m. daily.
Monday through Thursday, event hours are 3 to 8 p.m., with the zoo closing at 9 p.m. Friday through Sunday, event hours are 3 to 9 p.m., with the zoo closing at 10 p.m.
Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve will follow the shorter weekday schedule. Christmas Day will follow the weekend schedule.
Admission for nonmembers is $32 for adults and $29 for children ages 2-11 and seniors 60 and older. Children younger than 2 are admitted free.
Reservations are required for both zoo members and nonmembers. Members may visit multiple times throughout the season.
Additional activities, including Santa visits, seasonal food and holiday attractions, will be available during the event.
For reservations, tickets and additional information, visit toledozoo.org/events/lights-before-christmas.
