Toledo Zoo Lights Before Christmas 2024 guide

TOLEDO, Ohio — Editor’s note: The video in the above player is WTOL 11’s drone tour of the 2024 edition of the Lights Before Christmas.

The Toledo Zoo Lights Before Christmas is back for another year and it will soon be time to reserve your tickets to ring in the holiday season.

Lights Before Christmas begins Friday, Nov. 21 and runs through Wednesday, Dec. 31.

RELATED: Toledo Zoo Behind the Scenes Tour Giveaway!

WTOL 11 will provide live coverage on Nov. 21 beginning at 4 p.m. leading up to the tree lighting that you can stream on WTOL 11+ and watch on air. Click HERE to learn how to download our free streaming app available on your favorite device.

Visitors can expect to see the award-winning “Big Tree” 85-foot Norway spruce, more than a million lights, 200+ illuminated animal images and holiday cheer for all ages.

RELATED: Toledo Zoo, Huntington Bank come together to bring cheer to local families and share Lights Before Christmas tradition

New this year, in celebration of the zoo’s 125th year and 40th edition of Lights Before Christmas, the festivities will include a display of 400 synchronized drones. The drone show will debut during the Tree Lighting Ceremony on Nov. 21.

From rides and activities to food and drinks, here’s everything you need to know about the 2025 Lights Before Christmas at the Toledo Zoo!

During the Lights Before Christmas, the zoo will open daily at 3 p.m. and only be open during Lights.

• Monday-Thursday: 3-8 p.m., zoo closes at 9 p.m.
• Friday-Sunday: 3-9 p.m., zoo closes at 10 p.m.
• Thanksgiving Day: 3-8 p.m., zoo closes at 9 p.m.
• Christmas Eve: 3-8 p.m., zoo closes at 9 p.m.
• Christmas Day: 3-8 p.m., zoo closes at 9 p.m.
• New Year’s Eve: 3-8 p.m., zoo closes at 9 p.m.

The Toledo Zoo is open during all weather conditions, except for when Lucas County is under a Level 3 Snow Emergency. Current or upcoming zoo closures will be announced on the zoo’s website.

The Toledo Zoo said reservations are required for anyone planning to head to the Lights Before Christmas. You can reserve your tickets soon.

• Members: Unlimited daily visits, reservations required
• Non-members
  • Adults: $32
  • Children (2-11) and Seniors (60+): $29
  • Children under 2 are FREE
• For groups of 20+: Contact groupsales@toledozoo.org

To save 15% off a zoo membership, use the coupon code FLB225.

The Toledo Zoo will host its first-ever drone show during Lights Before Christmas. A display of 400 synchronized drones will kick off the Tree Lighting Ceremony on Nov. 21, at 6 p.m. with a second show around 8:30 p.m. to close out the night. The shows are best viewed near the amphitheater and formal gardens.

In the Winter Village on the southside of the zoo in the amphitheater, you can get a festive beverage at Twinkle Tavern, shop seasonal items at Enchanted Gifts, and warm up by a firepit and roast s’mores from The Sweet Shoppe. You can also stop by Yuletide Food and Spirits, another popular concession spot, for seasonal beverages, snacks and desserts.

Festivities also include special giveaways, roaming holiday characters and performers, caroling by Masterworks Chorale and ice carving demonstrations.

• Ride bundles
  • 4-pass bundle: $12 (valid through Dec. 31, 2025)
  • 7-pass bundle: $20 (valid through Dec. 31, 2025)
  • Wild pass: $25 (unlimited rides and valid on date of purchase)
• Ice slide: $3.50 per ride or ride bundles available
• Carousel: $3.50 per ride (Indoor African Carousel)
• Reindeer Encounter: Broadway Pavilion (included with zoo admission)
• Holly Jolly Express train ride through Africa: $3.50 per ride (Friday, Saturday and Sunday only; weather permitting)
• Swanton Model Train Railroad Club: Starting 5 p.m. daily in the Nature’s Neighborhood (Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day; included with zoo admission)

Do you think the Toledo Zoo has the best holiday zoo lights in the country? Make your voice heard HERE on USA Today 10Best.