If you wish to add a splash of vacation magic to your Christmas in San Diego to-do checklist, the annual Jungle Bells occasion on the San Diego Zoo is a must-do.
Every night from December 14 via January 5 (besides December 24), the Zoo transforms into a vacation wonderland of twinkling lights, merry music, and seasonal treats to get you within the festive spirit.
I’m a San Diego native and longtime Zoo member, so I’ve written up this insider’s information to taking advantage of Jungle Bells primarily based on what they’ve deliberate in 2024.
Key Takeaways
1. Explore the New “Holiday Light Discovery” Zones
Where to Find It: From the Lost Forest to Tiger Trail
What to Expect: Guests are handled to 3 brand-new lighting experiences this yr: Painted Jungle, Rainbow Forest, and Laser Trail, and every one brings one thing distinctive to the desk, from nature-inspired mild artwork and particular results to lasers and multicolored lights that appear to bounce overhead.
2. Wander the “Holiday Light Celebration” from Front Street to Outback
Where to Find It: Beginning at Front Street and stretching all the way in which to the Outback space.
What to Expect: This interactive path is adorned with larger-than-life vacation components. Think festive “treats” (in décor type), outsized “presents” lit up in vibrant colours, and shimmering shows to information your means and function props in your photographs.
3. Create Your Own Show on the “Holiday Light Symphony”
Where to Find It: Between Upper Africa Rocks and the Cactus Garden.
What to Expect: This is among the most interactive new additions for 2024. At the Holiday Light Symphony, you get to be the maestro. With just a few easy motions or button presses, you may direct colourful lights to twinkle in time with a festive orchestra.
4. Catch Merry Music by the Jingle Brass, Holiday Troubadour, and Tinseltones
Where to Find It: Front Street Stage (Jingle Brass), Wildlife Explorers Basecamp (Holiday Troubadour), Board Walk Beer Garden (The Tinseltones)
What to Expect: Holiday tunes are an enormous a part of the Jungle Bells environment. The Jingle Brass ensemble brings a energetic, brassy aptitude to basic vacation songs. The Holiday Troubadour and the Tinseltones entertain with caroling-style performances. These musicians don’t simply play music—they create tales and vitality that make the season really feel further particular.
Insider Tip: The teams cycle via a number of songs, and also you’ll in all probability hear the one that you love Christmas carol sooner or later.
5. Join Reindeer Games at Front Street Stage
Where to Find It: Front Street, close to the doorway space.
What to Expect: The “Reindeer Games” would possibly contain dancing, foolish challenges, or interactive actions that get everybody—children and adults—shifting. It’s an effective way to burn off a few of the sugar out of your peppermint sizzling chocolate and immerse your self within the vacation spirit.
6. Be Amazed by the Jack Frost Juggler
Where to Find It: Wildlife Explorers Basecamp.
What to Expect: Jack Frost is not any atypical performer—he’s the “prince of winter” with juggling abilities that’ll depart you spellbound. Picture blazing torches, illuminated balls, or different whimsical props twirling within the air whereas he wanders all through Wildlife Explorers Basecamp. Don’t be stunned if he tosses in just a few vacation jokes or interacts with the gang.
7. Meet Dr. Harry & His Holiday Friends
Where to Find It: Near Koalafornia Boardwalk.
What to Expect: Santa’s favourite helpers come to life within the type of Dr. Harry Lion, Churchill Polar Bear, Sydney Koala, and their cheerful buddies. They’ll be decked out of their festive best, prepared for selfies and large smiles.
Insider Tip: This is a well-liked place to take photographs with the youngsters and in addition close to Toy Shop Hop.
8. Marvel on the Toy Shop Hop
Where to Find It: Sydney’s Grill within the Zoo’s Australian Outback space.
What to Expect: Ever marvel what Santa’s elves do to remain in form? This acrobatic present units the stage with gravity-defying elves bouncing and flipping in a dynamic efficiency. Think of it as a mini, holiday-themed circus act proper within the coronary heart of the Zoo.
Insider Tip: You can plan your meal round a efficiency — Sydney’s Grill has respectable burgers, BBQ, and craft beer on its menu. Plus, there’s quite a lot of seating to relaxation drained legs.
9. Snap a Festive Photo with Santa (On Select Dates)
Where to Find It: Santa’s Factory (test the Zoo’s schedule for which evenings Santa will likely be in attendance).
What to Expect: Santa makes a particular cease on the Jungle Bells, prepared to listen to vacation needs from visitors of all ages. This is a limited-time alternative, so if a photograph with Santa is in your vacation bucket checklist, don’t miss it.
Santa’s Factory is adorned in vacation splendor, creating a comfortable backdrop for a cherished household souvenir. It’s additionally a pleasant, quietish nook to catch your breath and soak within the cheer.
10. Laugh with Dr. Zoolittle’s “One Wild Night Before Christmas”
Where to Find It: Rocks Box Stage
What to Expect: Dr. Zoolittle’s zany, interactive model of “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” is a artistic twist on a timeless vacation story full with laughs and viewers participation. Kids will love how foolish and sudden this present will be, and fogeys will recognize the intelligent humor that sneaks its means in.
11. Indulge in Festive Food and Drinks
Where to Find It: Throughout the Zoo’s eateries.
What to Expect: Jungle Bells isn’t simply in regards to the sights and sounds; the tastes are fairly magical, too. Look out for seasonal specialties like:
- Chocolate Peppermint Churros (crispy, chocolaty, minty goodness multi function)
- Peppermint Hot Chocolate (the right hand hotter on a cold night)
- Winter Egg Drop Soup (a comforting, savory deal with)
- Mistletoe Martini, a enjoyable and festive cocktail for adults
12. Enjoy the Zoo’s Year-Round Animal Experiences (With a Holiday Twist)
Where to Find It: Across the Zoo, after all!
What to Expect: While the vacation lights and reveals are the primary draw throughout Jungle Bells, don’t overlook that most of the Zoo’s animals are nonetheless out and about.
Grabbing a timed ticket to see the San Diego Zoo pandas may be the one problem of not arriving early, however there’s a standby line you may strive.
Insider Tip: Arrive within the late afternoon to take pleasure in each worlds—daytime animal viewing adopted by the nighttime vacation magic. Dress in layers as a result of San Diego climate in December will get crisp because the solar goes down.
Wrapping It Up
Jungle Bells on the San Diego Zoo provides a enjoyable mixture of vacation cheer, interactive experiences, mouthwatering treats, and the timeless pleasure of connecting with wildlife.
Whether you’re native and popping in for the night or visiting San Diego with children for the vacations, this seasonal occasion lets you see our well-known Zoo in a unique mild (actually).
Check the Zoo’s web site or app for actual present occasions, arrive early, and don’t overlook to seize our discounted San Diego Zoo tickets earlier than you go.
Jungle Bells photographs are courtesy of San Diego Zoo.