If you wish to add a touch of vacation magic to your Christmas in San Diego to-do listing, the annual Jungle Bells occasion on the San Diego Zoo is a must-do.
Each night from December 14 by way of 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 benefiting from Jungle Bells based mostly on what they’ve deliberate in 2024.
Key Takeaways
1. Discover the New “Vacation Gentle Discovery” Zones
The place to Discover It: From the Misplaced Forest to Tiger Path
What to Anticipate: Friends are handled to a few brand-new lighting experiences this yr: Painted Jungle, Rainbow Forest, and Laser Path, and every one brings one thing distinctive to the desk, from nature-inspired gentle artwork and particular results to lasers and multicolored lights that appear to bop overhead.
2. Wander the “Vacation Gentle Celebration” from Entrance Road to Outback
The place to Discover It: Starting at Entrance Road and stretching all the way in which to the Outback space.
What to Anticipate: This interactive path is adorned with larger-than-life vacation components. Assume festive “treats” (in décor kind), outsized “presents” lit up in vibrant colours, and shimmering shows to information your means and function props in your pictures.
3. Create Your Personal Present on the “Vacation Gentle Symphony”
The place to Discover It: Between Higher Africa Rocks and the Cactus Backyard.
What to Anticipate: This is without doubt one of the most interactive new additions for 2024. On the Vacation Gentle Symphony, you get to be the maestro. With a number of easy motions or button presses, you’ll be able to direct colourful lights to twinkle in time with a festive orchestra.
4. Catch Merry Music by the Jingle Brass, Vacation Troubadour, and Tinseltones
The place to Discover It: Entrance Road Stage (Jingle Brass), Wildlife Explorers Basecamp (Vacation Troubadour), Board Stroll Beer Backyard (The Tinseltones)
What to Anticipate: Vacation tunes are an enormous a part of the Jungle Bells environment. The Jingle Brass ensemble brings a energetic, brassy aptitude to traditional vacation songs. The Vacation Troubadour and the Tinseltones entertain with caroling-style performances. These musicians don’t simply play music—they convey tales and power that make the season really feel further particular.
Insider Tip: The teams cycle by way of a number of songs, and also you’ll most likely hear the one you love Christmas carol sooner or later.
5. Be a part of Reindeer Video games at Entrance Road Stage
The place to Discover It: Entrance Road, close to the doorway space.
What to Anticipate: The “Reindeer Video games” may contain dancing, foolish challenges, or interactive actions that get everybody—children and adults—transferring. 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
The place to Discover It: Wildlife Explorers Basecamp.
What to Anticipate: Jack Frost is not any abnormal performer—he’s the “prince of winter” with juggling expertise that’ll go away you spellbound. Image 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 a number of vacation jokes or interacts with the gang.
7. Meet Dr. Harry & His Vacation Buddies
The place to Discover It: Close to Koalafornia Boardwalk.
What to Anticipate: Santa’s favourite helpers come to life within the type of Dr. Harry Lion, Churchill Polar Bear, Sydney Koala, and their cheerful friends. They’ll be decked out of their festive most interesting, prepared for selfies and large smiles.
Insider Tip: It is a widespread place to take pictures with the children and in addition close to Toy Store Hop.
8. Marvel on the Toy Store Hop
The place to Discover It: Sydney’s Grill within the Zoo’s Australian Outback space.
What to Anticipate: Ever surprise 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. Consider it as a mini, holiday-themed circus act proper within the coronary heart of the Zoo.
Insider Tip: You’ll be able to 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 Picture with Santa (On Choose Dates)
The place to Discover It: Santa’s Manufacturing facility (examine the Zoo’s schedule for which evenings Santa can be in attendance).
What to Anticipate: Santa makes a particular cease on the Jungle Bells, prepared to listen to vacation needs from friends of all ages. It is a limited-time alternative, so if a photograph with Santa is in your vacation bucket listing, don’t miss it.
Santa’s Manufacturing facility is adorned in vacation splendor, creating a comfy backdrop for a cherished household souvenir. It’s additionally a pleasant, quietish nook to catch your breath and soak within the cheer.
10. Chuckle with Dr. Zoolittle’s “One Wild Evening Earlier than Christmas”
The place to Discover It: Rocks Field Stage
What to Anticipate: Dr. Zoolittle’s zany, interactive model of “’Twas the Evening Earlier than Christmas” is a artistic twist on a timeless vacation story full with laughs and viewers participation. Youngsters will love how foolish and sudden this present will be, and oldsters will recognize the intelligent humor that sneaks its means in.
11. Bask in Festive Meals and Drinks
The place to Discover It: All through the Zoo’s eateries.
What to Anticipate: 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 functional)
- Peppermint Sizzling Chocolate (the proper 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. Benefit from the Zoo’s 12 months-Spherical Animal Experiences (With a Vacation Twist)
The place to Discover It: Throughout the Zoo, after all!
What to Anticipate: Whereas the vacation lights and exhibits are the principle draw throughout Jungle Bells, don’t neglect that lots 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’ll be able to strive.
Insider Tip: Arrive within the late afternoon to get pleasure from each worlds—daytime animal viewing adopted by the nighttime vacation magic. Costume 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 affords a enjoyable mixture of vacation cheer, interactive experiences, mouthwatering treats, and the timeless pleasure of connecting with wildlife.
Whether or not 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 gentle (actually).
Examine the Zoo’s web site or app for precise present instances, arrive early, and don’t neglect to seize our discounted San Diego Zoo tickets earlier than you go.
Jungle Bells pictures are courtesy of San Diego Zoo.