3 Palms Zoo strung with Christmas lights under a summer night sky

Christmas in July

Christmas Lights on a Summer Night

When? Fridays & Saturdays
Jul 23 - Jul 31

Time? 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
(Last Entry 8:30)

Where? 3 Palms Zoo
Townsend, DE ↗

✨ Attractions 🎟️ Tickets ❓ FAQs 📸 Gallery

What to Expect

For four nights in July, the zoo lights up like Christmas — with one big difference: it's warm. Walk the light displays in a t-shirt, sit by a bonfire, and watch the night animals wake up as the sun goes down. No coats, no shivering, no December rush.

✨ Christmas Lights, Summer Nights Our Christmas light displays, up in July. Stroll them in shorts and sandals — and stay as the sky darkens and the lights take over.

🔥 Bonfires & Marshmallows Bonfires burning with complimentary marshmallows for roasting. Yes, in July. Nobody's in a hurry to get warm — sit by the fire as long as you like.

🦉 Animals at Dusk As the sun goes down, the night shift wakes up. Watch Sienna, our eastern screech owl, and the foxes get active in the fading light.

Get Your Tickets

Pay Cash (At Gate)

$6.00

Pay flat cash upon arrival with zero extra fees! No reservations needed.

Pay Cash at Gate

Online Tickets / Card

$6.00 +4% card fee

Skip the ticket booth with fast mobile check-in, or pay with Card / Apple Pay at the gate.

Buy Online

Get Your Christmas in July Tickets

Select your date and arrival time below for fast mobile check-in at the gate!

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Choose your Date

Jul 23 Friday

🕒 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

⭐ Opening Night ✓ Selected

Jul 24 Saturday

🕒 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

✓ Selected

Jul 30 Friday

🕒 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

✓ Selected

Jul 31 Saturday

🕒 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

✓ Selected

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Christmas in July Event Admission $6.00

Subtotal:$0.00

Ticketing Fee:$0.00

Total:$0.00

Guest Details

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1. General Ticket Information:

Tickets are valid for any event date, "weather permitting," as determined by 3 Palms Zoo.
All guests must have a valid ticket for entry, with the exception of infants under one year old, who are admitted for free.
Infants under 12 months are free.

2. Cancellation & Refunds (by 3 Palms Zoo):

In the event that 3 Palms Zoo must cancel an event (e.g., due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances), your ticket will automatically become a credit valid for any future event date.
If no future dates are available for an event, refunds will be issued upon request. This policy applies only if the event is cancelled by 3 Palms Zoo.

3. All Sales Are Final - No Refunds for Ticket Holder Cancellations:

All ticket sales are final. We are unable to provide refunds or exchanges for cancellations or no-shows initiated by the ticket holder.

4. Waiver of Liability:

By purchasing a ticket and attending the event, you agree to assume all risks associated with your visit to 3 Palms Zoo. 3 Palms Zoo and its staff are not responsible for any personal injury, loss, or damage to your property during the event.

5. Use of Likeness:

By entering 3 Palms Zoo, you grant the zoo permission to use your likeness and the likeness of those in your party in photographs, videos, or other media captured during the event for marketing and promotional purposes without compensation.

I have read and agree to the Terms & Conditions, including the NO-REFUND policy.

Secure Payment

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the marshmallows really free?

Yes! Marshmallows for roasting at the bonfires are complimentary with admission. Food and drinks are not for sale during this event, so we recommend eating dinner before you arrive.

Do I need to print my tickets?

Nope! If you buy your tickets online, just show the barcode on your phone at the gate. We scan and you're in!

What should we wear?

Dress for a warm summer evening — shorts are fine. Sturdy closed-toe shoes are a good idea for our natural farm pathways.

What happens if it rains?

We are a weather-permitting outdoor event. If it rains, we may have to close. Please check our Facebook Page an hour before the event for updates.

Do infants need a ticket?

Infants are admitted free! Admission is $6.00 for everyone else (ages 1 and up). Every dollar goes directly toward feeding and caring for our rescue animals.

Are strollers and wheelchairs allowed?

Yes! Strollers and wagons are welcome. Please note that our pathways are outdoor farm/gravel paths, so all-terrain wheels or sturdy strollers are recommended.

Are tickets refundable?

Tickets are non-refundable, BUT they are valid for any night of the event! If you can't make it one weekend, just come the next.

Can I bring my dog or pet?

No pets or outside animals permitted. Because we have free-roaming birds like chickens, ducks, and geese walking freely across our walkways, outside animals pose an immediate safety risk to our resident rescues and cannot be allowed inside the zoo grounds.

Is parking free?

Yes! Parking is free and available on-site. Attendants will guide you to a spot.

Christmas in July Highlights

Click any photo to see Christmas lights on summer nights — bonfires, glowing displays, and the animals at dusk!

Illuminated winter vignette featuring glowing blow-mold penguins wearing winter hats and wrapped in Christmas lights beside a lit tree.

Playful Holiday Penguins

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A lighted walk-through holiday display filled with glowing blow-mold candy canes, illuminated gumdrops, and smiling gingerbread figures.

Candy Land Walkthrough

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Sweet Treats on Display! Christmas in July at 3 Palms Zoo! Get ready for a taste of summer fun with a festive twist at Christmas in July! ☀️❄️ Sneak Peek! Here's a glimpse at some of the candy-tastic decorations that will be decorating our Ice Cream & Candy Cottage! Imagine strolling through the zoo as the warm summer sun dips below the horizon, casting a magical glow that illuminates a whimsical wonderland. Prepare to be dazzled by a candy-coated parlor featuring giant lollipops, candy canes, candy corn, and all your favorite sweet treats. This is just a glimpse of the sugary fun that awaits! Christmas in July offers much more. Don't miss this unique experience! Head over to our Christmas in July at 3 Palms Zoo event page for all the details! #ChristmasInJuly #SummerFun #BlowMolds P.S. Stay tuned for the full reveal of the entire Ice Cream & Candy Cottage soon!#3palmszoo

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Wooden park gazebo illuminated with white string lights and evergreen garland, featuring a decorated Christmas tree and a safe, elevated gas fire table in the center.

Holiday Gazebo & Fire Table

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Sienna, a rescued eastern screech owl, camouflaged and perched on a branch at 3 Palms Zoo & Education Center.

eastern-screech-owl-sienna-perched-3-palms-zoo

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Share the Summer Cheer!

📅 RSVP on Facebook

Download our official event flyer to print, or share it with your friends and family on social media. Admission proceeds support our rescues! ❤️

Christmas in July

What to Expect

Get Your Tickets

Pay Cash (At Gate)

Online Tickets / Card

Get Your Christmas in July Tickets

Choose your Date

Select a Time

Select Tickets

Guest Details

Secure Payment

Frequently Asked Questions

Christmas in July Highlights

Share the Summer Cheer!

🎄 Zoo Lights & Christmas Nights Updates!