The Gift of Lights, a special holiday lights event is back at the Potawatomi Zoo. The Gift of Lights is every Friday and Saturday from 5-9 pm and Sunday from 5-8 pm from November 24 through December 23, 2023.

Regular admission for The Gift of Lights is $12 for adults ages 15-61, $8 for children 3-14 and seniors 62 years and up. Babies 2 and under are free. Admission for Zoo Members is $10 for adults and $6 for children.

There is no charge to visit the reindeer in the Zoo’s Picnic Grove.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in the River Run Yurt every night starting at 5:30 pm. Elsa will be at the Zoo on Sundays from 6-8 pm. The Grinch will be making special appearances at the Zoo on various nights.

There is no charge to meet any of the costumed characters.

This year, the South Bend Civic Theatre is scheduled to perform on the Dragonfly Deck on December 8 and 9, starting at 6 pm.

Giraffe feeding will take place in the Laidig Giraffe Conservation Center visitor center. Giraffe feeding is $3 for 2 pieces of lettuce and will be available until half an hour before the Zoo closes.

The Potawatomi Zoo Express train tickets are $3 per person(over 2 years old). The Zoo train will run as weather permits.

The Zoo Café will be open with hot drinks, adult drinks, snacks, and a full menu. Otter Outpost and the Monkey Bar will be open as weather permits with seasonal drinks and snacks as well.

Keim’s Elephant Ears, Randy’s Famous Popcorn, and Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck will be at the Zoo every night during The Gift of Lights.

The Zoo Gift Shop, Learning Center, and giraffe barn are open during The Gift of Lights.

For the health and safety of our animals and visitors, some parts of the Zoo may be closed after dark and in cold weather.