Open Nightly December 15 – 23
Abilene Zoo invites you to the 5th annual Christmas Celebration powered by Reliant for nine evenings December 15 through 23 from 4 to 9 p.m. Enjoy the wonder of the holiday while meeting Santa and his reindeer, walking through immersive light displays with over 500,000 lights, skating around an iceless rink, decorating holiday cookies, roasting s’mores around a fire pit and experiencing the spirit of the season at a live Nativity.
“We created this event for the community and we bring it back each year for them. Of course, we always try to have something new that will surprise the families that come every year,” said Abilene Zoo Director Jesse Pottebaum. “This year we created a new zone, Arctic Lights, which features a moving light tunnel themed after the northern lights. We also added Santa’s Toy Workshop where you can make a toy or ornament. We’re so grateful for the community’s support of Christmas Celebration – it’s our largest fundraising event of the year.”
Designed as an event for all ages, Christmas Celebration features:
- Nightly 6 p.m. Christmas tree lighting by Big Country dignitaries and celebrities
- Live reindeer & opportunity to make magical reindeer food
- Photos with Santa, Princesses, and holiday-themed characters
- An 85-foot light tunnel featuring over 25,000 lights
- Holiday photo spots
- Iceless skating rink
- Snowfall every half hour
- Santa’s Workshop
- Cookie decorating at Mrs. Claus’ Texas Bakery
- Live Nativity by Beltway Park Church, featuring actors and animals
- Tasty winter treats including s’mores, hot chocolate, and holiday-crafted adult beverages
“At Reliant, we love to light up the holidays, and powering the Christmas Celebration at Abilene Zoo is such a special way for us to spread joy this season,” said Elizabeth Killinger, president of Reliant. “We invite everyone to come check out this year’s new attractions and get into the holiday spirit.”
Admission is $16 per person online and $17 at the ticket window. Abilene Zoo members can enjoy discounted admission of $8 online and $9 at the ticket window. Children 2 years of age and under are free. Tickets can be purchased now at www.abilenezoo.org.
