Date and Time
Friday Nov 27, 2026 Saturday Dec 26, 2026
Fridays & Saturdays, November 27 – December 26, 2026 (Closed on Christmas Day, Friday, Dec 25) 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Last gate entry at 7:30 PM)
Location
3 Palms Zoo & Education Center 1060 Vandyke Greenspring Rd Townsend, DE 19734
Fees/Admission
Cash (At Gate): $6.00 flat admission Card (At Gate or Online Express Pass): $7.00 Children under 12 months: Free Parking: Free on-site parking Admission covers all light displays, sanctuary animal viewing, free visits/photos with Santa, and complimentary hot cocoa and marshmallows.
Website
Contact Information
3 Palms Zoo | (302) 715-1326
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Description
Step into a magical winter wonderland as Zoo Lights & Christmas Nights returns for its 15th season at 3 Palms Zoo in Townsend! Stroll illuminated pathways surrounded by thousands of twinkling lights, festive blow mold displays, and resident rescue animals awake and active under the night sky. Event Highlights:Free Photos with Santa: Visit Santa inside his cozy living room in the life-sized Gingerbread House (bring your own camera—visits and photos are free)! Cozy Bonfire & Treats: Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and marshmallows for roasting over outdoor fire pits, included with admission. Christmas in Candy Land: Walk through nostalgic, glowing displays down Chocolate Ave, Ice Cream St, and Candy Cane Ln. Nocturnal Rescues: See screech owls, foxes, waterfowl, and other sanctuary residents active after dark. Holiday Displays: Enjoy festive scenes featuring classic characters like Snoopy, The Grinch, Rudolph, and a traditional Nativity. Weather-permitting outdoor event. All proceeds directly benefit the care, feeding, and medical needs of resident sanctuary rescues. For more details and online passes, visit https://3palmszoo.org/christmas/.
