Holiday Magic Returns as Toledo Zoo Celebrates Lights Before Christmas

Toledo Zoo display. Photo Floyd Anderson 2025

The holiday spirit is alive and glowing at the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium, which this season is celebrating the 40th year of its beloved Lights Before Christmas event. The annual tradition officially opened in late November, and this year’s display is bigger, brighter, and more immersive than ever. The Lights Before Christmas festivities run now through December 31st, giving families and visitors a full month to take in the magic of one of Toledo’s most cherished holiday events.

More than one million twinkling lights illuminate the historic zoo grounds, transforming the campus into a winter wonderland. Guests can marvel at over 200 illuminated animal images, wander through dazzling light tunnels, and enjoy the iconic “Big Tree,” an 85-foot Norway spruce that has become a symbol of the season in Northwest Ohio. This year also features a special opening-weekend drone show, where hundreds of choreographed drones lit up the sky in a festive aerial performance.

Santa drone display Photo: Floyd Anderson 2025

In addition to the breathtaking visuals, the event offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including an ice slide, warm seasonal treats, and photo opportunities with Santa Claus. Select evenings also include sensory-friendly options as part of the zoo’s Conda Family Zoo for All Program, ensuring a welcoming and accessible experience for visitors of all abilities.

The Toledo Zoo is not only a holiday destination it’s also one of the most celebrated zoos in the nation. With more than 10,000 animals representing over 720 species, the zoo maintains membership in both the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), underscoring its commitment to animal care, conservation, and education. The zoo has received top-tier recognition from evaluative organizations as well, including a four-star rating from Charity Navigator and a Gold Seal of Transparency from Candid.

Aerial view of "Lights Before Christmas" Photo courtesy of Toledo Area Parent

Several travel and entertainment outlets have named the Toledo Zoo the top zoo in America, highlighting its combination of award-winning exhibits, robust conservation efforts, and high-quality guest experiences. For many in the region, the Lights Before Christmas event is a shining example of why the zoo continues to earn national praise.

As Toledo gathers to celebrate the season, Lights Before Christmas stands as a glowing reminder of tradition, community, and holiday joy — continuing to enchant guests of all ages through December 31st.