July 24 & 25
Friday
Open 10 a.m. - 10 p.m., Zoo closes at 11 p.m.
Christmas in July activities begin after 5 p.m.
Saturday
Member mornings 9 - 10 a.m.
Open 10 a.m. - 10 p.m., Zoo closes at 11 p.m.
Christmas in July activities begin after 5 p.m.
Unwrap the holiday magic early by strolling through a dazzling section of lights on the Zoo’s South Side and enjoy tree-mendous festive fun!
Tickets
Non-member Adults
$18
Non-member Children (2-11)
$16
Under 2 are free
Non-member Seniors (60+)
$16
Zoo Members
Free
No reservation necessary for members
Special events schedule
Listen to holiday tunes with a frozen hot chocolate while enjoying strolling performances, ice carving demonstrations, crafts and more! The newly reimagined Reptile House, ProMedica Museum of Natural History, Aquarium, splash pad, carousel, train and Nancy L. & Martin Davidson Barnyard will be open for visitors.
5 – 9 p.m. Gamers can have a blast in the Party on a Truck, mobile gaming experience!
Near Primate Forest (FRIDAY ONLY)
5 – 10 p.m. Play glow in the dark mini golf
Main Plaza
6 – 8:30 p.m. Visit with Santa
Main Plaza
Line will close at 8:30 p.m.
7 – 9:30 p.m. Meet & greets with Elsa, Ana & Spiderman
Near Monarch Marketplace
Laurel’s Characters & Co.
Line closes at 9:30 p.m.
7:30 – 9:30 p.m. BubbleLunatics, Bubble demos
Near Beastro
As part of our Conda Family Zoo For All program, a sensory area will be available on the top floor of the ProMedica Museum of Natural History from 5 - 10 p.m. each night. This area is designed as a quiet zone, offering sensory-friendly activities with dedicated staff and volunteers ready to support any sensory needs. Click here for more information about our accessibility features.
Garden Workshops
Thurs, July 9 & Fri, July 24
Additional fee: $65 Members, $75 Non-members
It might be a bit early to start decking your halls with holly, but these adorable aquatic air plant creatures are the perfect decoration for any season! This two-part program invites participants to explore the art of ceramics and enjoy a dash of holiday cheer at the Toledo Zoo’s Christmas in July celebration!
Part 1: Thurs, July 9, 6 – 8 p.m. (Owens Community College)
The Program begins in the Owens Community College pottery studio, where participants will learn the basics of hand-built ceramics and have the chance to build multiple sea creature ornaments. Guided instruction makes this session accessible for beginners, and finished pieces will be glazed and fired between classes.
Part 2: Fri, July 24, 6 – 8 p.m. (Toledo Zoo & Aquarium)
A few weeks later, participants will reconvene at the Zoo for an immersive visit to the Christmas in July celebration! Following a short tour highlighting some of the features and logistics required to host Lights Before Christmas, participants will meet in the Museum to complete their aquatic air plant creations.
Please note – registration includes both parts.
Sat, July 11 & Fri, July 24
Additional fee: $65 Members, $75 Non-members
It might be a bit early to start decking your halls with holly, but these adorable aquatic air plant creatures are the perfect decoration for any season! This two-part program invites participants to explore the art of ceramics and enjoy a dash of holiday cheer at the Toledo Zoo’s Christmas in July celebration!
Part 1: Sat, July 11, noon – 2 p.m. (Owens Community
The Program begins in the Owens Community College pottery studio, where participants will learn the basics of hand-built ceramics and have the chance to build multiple sea creature ornaments. Guided instruction makes this session accessible for beginners, and finished pieces will be glazed and fired between classes.
Part 2: Fri, July 24, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. (Toledo Zoo & Aquarium)
A few weeks later, participants will reconvene at the Zoo for an immersive visit to the Christmas in July celebration! Following a short tour highlighting some of the features and logistics required to host Lights Before Christmas, participants will meet in the Museum to complete their aquatic air plant creations.
Please note – registration includes both parts.
Sat, July 25, 2:30 – 6 p.m.
Additional fee: $65 Members, $75 Non-members
The guided painting class you love, but with an artfully wild twist! All participants will be provided with the materials and instruction to paint a beautiful, nature (and holiday) inspired masterpiece. The group will also receive a penguin painting demonstration. Which, at a zoo, definitely means watching penguins make a painting! One lucky artist will also win a piece of the one-of-a-kind piece of penguin-painted art to take home to enjoy!
Sun, July 26
Christmas in July weekend continues on Sunday with a Motor City Catz concert, as part of the Music under the Stars series. This outdoor concert begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Zoo’s historic Amphitheatre and is free to the public. Enjoy a performance with DC Taylor-Acoustic Duo in our Main Plaza, as you stroll through the lights, when the gates open at 6 p.m. The Zoo closes at 10 p.m.
Please note on Sunday evening you are welcome to enjoy the south side lights and musical performances, but buildings and exhibits are closed. Aquarium restrooms are open and concessions are available for purchase.
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