Christmas at the Zoo holiday tradition is back. What you'll find and when you can go

If you can't make it to Santa's village in southern Indiana, you can find a winter wonderland a little closer to home featuring Santa and his reindeer.

Christmas at the Zoo continues through Dec. 30. It's the 55th year for the annual celebration at the Indianapolis Zoo.

What happens at the Indianapolis Zoo during the holidays?

Holiday decor has been added to the zoo grounds, according to the Indianapolis Zoo website. Every night from 5-9, watch the zoo transform at sunset and enjoy the light displays, holiday music and fun photo ops.

Santa's Village is at the Bicentennial Pavilion. Warm up in Santa's Study, meet the Ice Princess and Jack Frost, and help decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus. Santa's sleigh and a few of his reindeer will be in Santa's Barn.

Find other spots to visit and features of Christmas at the Zoo here.

Indianapolis Zoo hours in December

Click here to see the zoo's daily schedule. The zoo is closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

  • Sunday: 2-9 p.m.

  • Monday: 2-9 p.m.

  • Tuesday: 2-9 p.m.

  • Wednesday: 2-9 p.m.

  • Thursday: 2-9 p.m.

  • Friday: 2-10 p.m.

  • Saturday: 2-10 p.m.

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Indianapolis Zoo tickets

Ticket prices range from about $15-$30, depending on the date. Children younger than 2 are free. Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate.

Parking is not included and is free for members; $10 for nonmembers; and $20 for campers and other larger vehicles.

Bring your old Christmas lights to the zoo to recycle

If you have broken or burned-out strings of lights, they can be dropped off in the donation bins at the zoo's entry plaza. The zoo will recycle them for free.

Contact digital producer Jenny Porter Tilley at jtilley@gannett.com or follow her on X @jennylynne.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Christmas at the Zoo Indianapolis: What to know