Winter Light Spectacular at Lehigh Valley Zoo: A Pennsylvania Holiday Walkthrough
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5–2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; mostly flat walking trails accessible to families and seniors.
Overview
Discover Pennsylvania’s largest holiday light display at Lehigh Valley Zoo’s Winter Light Spectacular, where over 1.2 million lights create a magical winter walk. Perfect for families and festive adventurers alike.
Winter Light Spectacular
All Ages
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About This Adventure
Experience the magic of the 12th-annual Winter Light Spectacular at Lehigh Valley Zoo, featuring over 1.2 million dazzling lights. Stroll through a winter wonderland, enjoy live performances, and indulge in seasonal treats. Upgrade to VIP for exclusive perks, including unlimited hot chocolate and cozy access to the Jingle Lodge Lounge.
Purchasing tickets in advance to required. WLS will be sold out on many nights.
Enjoy our Outdoor Holiday Extravaganza Featuring more than 1.2 Million Lights!
Duration
2-Hour Sessions* (*the latest session of each night is a 1.5-Hour Session)
About
Step out of your car and into the holiday spirit! The 11th-annual Winter Light Spectacular (WLS) at Lehigh Valley Zoo provides families and friends a one-of-a-kind opportunity to go walking in a winter wonderland. Featured by USA Today in “Holiday light displays worth traveling for across America,” WLS consists of more than 1.2 million lights – a total that exceeds all other Pennsylvania attraction. In addition to breathtaking light displays, the event offers:
- Classic holiday scenes
- Numerous photo opportunities
- Multiple fire pits
- Seasonal treats
- Live performances every night by popular princesses, such as Elsa, Anna, Ariel, Cinderella, Rapunzel and others. Visit lvzoo.org/wls for dates and times.
!VIP
Photos with Santa!
Make a reservation now for your Photo with Santa from Dan's Camera City. To book, please click here.
VIP
Upgrade your experience with VIP tickets (limited availability) and don't miss out on the limited edition WLS Buddy the Elf bobblehead doll! During each session time, you will have VIP-only access to the Jingle Lodge Lounge and its warm fire. Each VIP ticket comes with the annual WLS souvenir travel tumbler and unlimited free hot chocolate, an exclusive VIP hot chocolate toppings bar, a S’more kit, a Buddy the Elf bobblehead doll (all VIP adults^), a Christmas bulb necklace (all VIP children^) and a chance to warm up from the cold! ^You may purchase VIP Adult ticket(s) for children in order to receive additional Buddy the Elf bobblehead doll(s).
Dining
Plan on dining here with Geakers Tacos on the glowing picnic patio; or at Cockatoo Café down by the fire pits.
Groups
Those interested on bringing out a group of 20-or-more people are eligible for a discounted ticket rate; groups of 100+ receive an additional discount. Please call the office as 610-799-4171.
LV Zoo is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit and this event, its largest annual fundraiser, opens on Nov. 15 and is scheduled for 38 dates through Jan. 4. Please note that pets are not allowed to enter the zoo.
!Buddy
Adventure Tips
Buy tickets in advance
This event sells out quickly on many nights, so secure your tickets early to guarantee entry.
Dress warmly
Temperatures can drop sharply after dusk—layered clothing helps you stay comfortable during your walk.
Use the designated paths
Stay on marked trails to protect the zoo’s habitats and ensure your safety after dark.
Plan for parking early
Arrive early to find parking easily, especially on weekends and peak holiday dates.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- White-tailed deer often seen in twilight hours nearby.
- Various local owls that can be heard but rarely seen during evening walks.
History
The Lehigh Valley Zoo, located in a former game preserve, has hosted the Winter Light Spectacular annually for over a decade, making it a beloved regional holiday tradition.
Conservation
Proceeds support the zoo’s wildlife conservation programs, emphasizing sustainable practices and habitat preservation within Pennsylvania.
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Adventure Hotspots in Allentown
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Warm jacket
Keeps you insulated during chilly night walks through the light displays.
winter specific
Comfortable walking shoes
Essential for navigating paved and well-maintained zoo paths with ease.
winter specific
Flashlight or headlamp
Helpful for safely navigating parking areas before and after the event.
winter specific
Reusable travel tumbler
Perfect for sipping unlimited hot chocolate if you upgrade to a VIP ticket.
winter specific