Fri., Nov. 27, 2026

Celebrate the magic of the season with Holly-Days at the Zoo! Santa and Friends join Zoo staff to kick off the holiday season with a parade along Buffalo Yard Road. The festivities include holiday music and a chance to meet and greet Santa and his friends.

Plus, guests are encouraged to wear their holiday pajamas or other festive attire. Don’t miss out on the merry memories waiting to be made!

Holly-Days are free with Zoo admission or membership.

Purchase Zoo Admission

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Naturalist Lodge:

  • 10:00 – 11:00 – Costume Contest Registration
  • Guests can sign up for the costume contest for a chance to win a Zoo Family Membership, a great gift for the holidays that keeps giving all year!
  • Costume Contest Categories:
    • Best Ugly Sweater worn by an individual
    • Best Family or Group Holiday Ensemble
  • Voting will be held inside Penguin Education Center, one entry per person or family. Winners will be announced at 12:30 pm inside Penguin Education Center.

Buffalo Yard Road to Zoo Central:

  • 11:00 – Character Parade to Kickoff Holly Days
    • Join us as Santa and his friends kick off the holiday season at the Zoo with a parade. The festivities include holiday music by pianist Jarrett Rettman, a chance to meet and greet Santa and his friends, the Zoo’s Volunteer Kazoo Band, and holiday themed golf carts where you can vote for your favorite one inside Penguin Education Center.

In the Meeting Barn:

  • 10:30 – 3:30 – Arts & crafts
  • 12:00 – 3:00 – Visits & photo ops with Santa and Mrs. Claus
  • 1:00 – Storytime with Santa & Mrs. Claus

Penguin Education Center:

  • 12:00 – Choral performance by Sweet Silver Bells
  • 1:30 – Animal Ambassador meet & greet
Throughout the Zoo:
  • Photo ops with Holiday Characters
  • Train Rides
  • Carousel Rides
  • Winter Themed Education Stations
  • Keeper Chats
  • Penguin Feeding Narrations at 10:30am and 3:30pm

All activities are subject to change without notice.

Recycle Your Holiday Lights:

Looking to get rid of old holiday lights? The Zoo can help! As part of our sustainability initiatives, the Zoo is accepting old holiday lights so that they can be recycled properly. Lights will be accepted through January 31, 2027.

Learn More

($) – Additional cost
Questions? Please reach out to our team by emailing tickets@marylandzoo.org.