3 Palms Zoo Announces ‘Zoo Lights & Christmas Nights!’, a Festive Holiday Lights Tradition

TOWNSEND, DE – October 23, 2026 – 3 Palms Zoo & Education Center, Delaware’s only animal rescue zoo, announces its 15th annual “Zoo Lights & Christmas Nights!” annual evening holiday lights series. Taking place on Fridays & Saturdays from Nov 27 – Dec 26, 2026, the event offers an affordable, family-friendly experience for parents, children, and visitors of all ages.

“Zoo Lights & Christmas Nights!” transforms the zoo into a festive holiday walk decorated with thousands of twinkling lights, classic displays, and cheerful photo opportunities. Guests can stroll illuminated pathways while listening to classic holiday music, visit with the zoo’s Christmas barnyard residents — including Donkey, Goats, Llamas, Sheep, and Cows — awake and greeting visitors, and meet nocturnal rescues like Eastern Screech Owl, Gray Fox, Leucistic Fox, Red Fox, and Silver Fox, active after dark, and gather around crackling outdoor fire pits to roast complimentary marshmallows and enjoy hot chocolate. Santa is also on hand inside his living room in the Gingerbread House for free family photos.

“We created ‘Zoo Lights & Christmas Nights!’ to give local families a warm, memorable holiday tradition,” said Matthew Shaffner, Owner of 3 Palms Zoo & Education Center. “Seeing the animals under the lights while enjoying a fire is something truly special, and coming out to visit helps us continue caring for all our rescues year-round.”

General admission is $6.00 per person for cash tickets at the gate. Infants under one year old are admitted free. Online tickets and gate credit card payments are also available.

Event Details & Highlights:

• Dates & Hours: Fridays & Saturdays, Nov 27 – Dec 26, 2026, from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
• Holiday Closure: Closed Christmas Day and night, Friday, December 25. Zoo Lights & Christmas Nights returns for its final night on Saturday, December 26.
• Admission: $6.00 per person (cash at gate). Online tickets and gate card payments available. Infants under one free.
• Activities: Stroll through thousands of twinkling holiday lights, visit resident animal rescues at night, and roast marshmallows over outdoor fire pits.
• Santa Visits: Meet Santa in his Gingerbread House living room (free family photos; bring your own camera).
• Holiday Music & Fires: Classic holiday favorites playing along the paths with crackling fire pits creating a warm community atmosphere.
• Audience: Fun and welcoming for guests of all ages.

Private Zoo Lights & Christmas Nights bookings are also available for groups on Sunday through Thursday nights (1 Hour for $200; 2 Hours for $400). Reservations and details: https://3palmszoo.org/christmas/private-lights/

About 3 Palms Zoo & Education Center: 3 Palms Zoo & Education Center is Delaware’s only animal rescue zoo, providing a lifelong sanctuary for surrendered pets and non-releasable wild animals. Home to a diverse family of domestic, exotic, and native residents, the zoo offers self-guided visits and educational experiences that connect the community with animal care. Ticket purchases directly fund daily feeding, veterinary care, and housing for all resident animals.

Directions & Information: For driving directions, zoo hours, and advance tickets, visit 3palmszoo.org. Follow 3 Palms Zoo on Facebook at facebook.com/3palmszoo for weather updates and schedule announcements.

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