See the Montgomery Zoo transformed into a Winter Wonderland displaying thousands of sparkling and twinkling lights and festive decorations at Christmas Lights Festival.  Take a leisurely stroll or enjoy a brisk train ride. Safely visit Santa and the Christmas Tree Village at the Mann Museum, enjoy the live entertainment at the Overlook Cafe, and no winter's night would be complete without some warming hot chocolate and fresh baked cookies from the Overlook Cafe. Make plans to swing by the Zoo and Museum Gift Shops for last minute gift purchases, souvenirs, and to participate in the Zoo Animal Angel Tree, helping conservation efforts at the Zoo and around the world.    

Christmas Lights Festival has been a River Region, holiday tradition and mainstay for generations. Enjoy strolling about the Zoo enjoying the lights and sounds of the holiday season. Swing by to visit Santa and get in those last minute Christmas wishes. Purchase a membership, legacy brick paver, or animal adoption for that hard to buy for person on your gift list. Or take advantage of the awesome sales in the Gift Shop for that animal lover at home.   

Event details: 
     -- Dates: December 6-31
     -- Time: OPENING NIGHT / 6pm - 9pm (CENTRAL TIME ZONE)
             -- NO day/night combo admission are SOLD on OPENING NIGHT (December 6) 
             -- Last admission at 9pm, all guests must exit the park by 9:30pm
             -- *Opening night, Friday, December 6, Christmas Lights Festival opens at 6pm

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Christmas Lights Festival event hours: 

     -- Opening night, Friday, Dec 6, 6pm – 9pm nightly
           -- last admission tickets are sold at 9pm
           -- everyone must exit the park by 9:30pm

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Christmas Lights Festival event admission fees:
     -- Regular night time admission: $14 (ages 3 years old and older).  
               -- Admission fee includes;
                       -- entry to the Lights Festival, 
                       -- stroll throughout the Zoo seeing thousands of lights and holiday displays, 
                       -- visit with Santa @ the Mann Museum (available nightly thru Dec 23), 
                       -- entry to the Christmas Tree Village @ the Mann Museum, 
                       -- and entertainment at the Overlook Cafe (see below)
               -- Toddlers 2 years and younger are FREE. 
     -- Montgomery Zoo members: FREE 
               -- Admission for members includes;
                       -- entry to the Lights Festival, 
                       -- stroll throughout the Zoo seeing thousands of lights and holiday displays, 
                       -- visit with Santa @ the Mann Museum (available nightly thru Dec 23), 
                       -- entry to the Christmas Tree Village @ the Mann Museum, 
                       -- and entertainment at the Overlook Cafe (see below)
               -- Toddlers 2 years and younger are FREE. 
               -- Train ride is only included with those memberships having the train ride as part of their membership.

Attention all Zoo members. During night special events like Christmas Lights Festival, no GUEST PASSES are allowed for entry. Only the people listed on the membership will be allowed entry. During Christmas Lights Festival, members receive FREE admission; however, if their membership does not include the annual train ride pass, train rides will be an additional fee. 

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Additional Christmas Lights Festival activities: 
     -- Visit with Santa @ the Mann Museum (available nightly thru Dec 23): FREE
     -- Visit the Christmas Tree Village @ the Mann Museum: FREE
     -- Keepsake picture with Santa: $6 per photo
     -- Train ride: $3 per ride, per person
     -- Entertainment at Overlook Cafe: FREE
     -- Concessions at Overlook Cafe: Prices vary
     -- Gift shop: Prices vary

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Overlook Cafe hours:  
     -- During Christmas Lights Festival (Dec 6-31), the Overlook Cafe is open daily 11am - 8pm (closed 4:30-5:30pm) 
     -- The Overlook Cafe will be CLOSED on Christmas night, Dec 25. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase in the Zoo Main Gift Shop and Mann Museum.  


Christmas Lights Festival performers and entertainment at the Overlook Cafe.  See schedule below. Select nights various performers and entertainment groups will help bring in the holiday spirit with the gift of dance, song, and music.  Groups comprise of local schools, church organizations, clubs, dance troops, and local entertainment.  It is always fun, entertaining, and a great way to help usher in the joy, lights, and sounds of the holiday season.  Thank you to each of our performers.


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Christmas Lights Festival volunteers

If you are interested in volunteering at Christmas Lights Festival, please contact the Zoo at 
     -- (334) 625-4900, 
     -- via email at zooinfo@montgomeryal.gov, or 
     -- register online now.  

Volunteers will help serve the Zoo at the

• Train Depot,
• Santa Hut,
• and Christmas Tree Village

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IMPORTANT ANIMAL NOTE:  Christmas Lights Festival is an evening event at the Montgomery Zoo.  All zoo animals will be in their night quarters during the event.