BRONX ZOO holiday lights 2025 walking tour review New York City Christmas  скачать в хорошем качестве

BRONX ZOO holiday lights 2025 walking tour review New York City Christmas 

Experience the Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights in 2025 with this guide to dates, tickets, new attractions, and expert tips for your visit. Quick Snapshot: 2025 Season • Dates: Select dates from November 21, 2025 – January 4, 2026 (Weekends and select weekdays). • Hours: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM. • Note: Lights turn on at 4:30 PM. • Animal Note: Live animal exhibits close at 4:00 PM. • Location: Bronx Zoo (2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10460). • Tickets: Must be reserved in advance online. What’s New & Must-See for 2025 This year features a mix of beloved traditions and brand-new interactive zones. 1. The "Freeze Zone" (New!) A new winter wonderland area located at Giraffe Corner designed for high-energy fun. • Snow Tube Slide: A massive slide for racing down on tubes. • Ice Throne: A photo-op giant illuminated throne. • Snowball Toss: A digital wall where you can throw virtual snowballs. 2. Expanded "Enchanted Sea" Located in the Schiff Family Great Hall, this indoor experience is perfect for warming up. • New Puppetry: Large-scale sea creature puppets. • Interactive Lights: Floor projections and light panels that react to your movement. • Jellyfish Celebration: A dazzling light display mimicking bioluminescent ocean life. 3. The Lantern Trails The core of the event is walking the six geographically themed trails featuring hundreds of illuminated animal lanterns. • Themes: Africa, Asia, Latin America, North America, Ocean, and the Forest of Color. • Tip: Don't miss the Forest of Color; its larger-than-life flora and fauna lanterns are often the most vibrant and photogenic. 4. Classic Favorites • Holiday Train: A family favorite ride around the fountain ($4/rider). • Ice Carving Battles: Watch professional sculptors carve blocks of ice into animals live at Grizzly Corner. • Animated Light Show: A synchronized music and light performance at the Holiday Tree in Astor Court (runs every 20 minutes). Food & Drink You won't go hungry, but be prepared for "festive" pricing. • S'mores: Fire pits are set up at The Patio (near the Children's Zoo) where you can buy kits to roast your own marshmallows. • Treats: Churros, hot pretzels, and popcorn are available at carts throughout the park. • Drinks: Hot chocolate is a staple, but look for spiked holiday cocktails for adults at select stands. • Dinner: The Dancing Crane Café is open for more substantial meals (burgers, chicken fingers), which is helpful if you arrive right at 3:00 PM. Important Logistics Tickets & Pricing • Adult (13+): ~$41.95 • Child (3-12): ~$26.95 • Senior (65+): ~$36.95 • Members: 40% discount (requires reservation). • Sensory-Friendly Night: December 4, 2025. Features reduced capacity, lower music volume, and static lights (no flashing). Getting There • Subway: Take the 2 or 5 train to West Farms Sq–E Tremont Ave (a bit of a walk to the entrance) or Pelham Parkway. • Express Bus (Recommended): The BxM11 express bus from Manhattan stops directly at the Bronx River entrance. Check the schedule for the last return bus, as it runs less frequently late at night. • Parking: $22 per car. The lots fill up fast on weekends; try to arrive by 3:00 PM. Expert Tips for a Better Visit 1. The "3:00 PM Trick": Your Holiday Lights ticket allows entry starting at 3:00 PM. Arrive then to see the real animals (tigers, giraffes, etc.) for an hour before they go inside at 4:00 PM. Then, you are already inside when the lights turn on at 4:30 PM, beating the main entry line. 2. Dress for the Cold: The zoo is surprisingly windier and colder than the city streets due to the open space. Wear thicker socks and layers than you think you need. 3. Prioritize the Train: If you want to ride the Holiday Train, go there immediately at 4:30 PM. The line can get very long (45+ mins) by 6:00 PM. Next Step Would you like me to help you find the best subway or express bus route from your specific starting location in NYC?