If you wish to add a touch 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.
Each night from December 14 by means 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 primarily based 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: Visitors are handled to a few brand-new lighting experiences this yr: Painted Jungle, Rainbow Forest, and Laser Path, and each 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 parts. 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 photographs.
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 couple 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 ambiance. The Jingle Brass ensemble brings a full of life, brassy aptitude to basic vacation songs. The Vacation Troubadour and the Tinseltones entertain with caroling-style performances. These musicians don’t simply play music—they convey tales and vitality that make the season really feel further particular.
Insider Tip: The teams cycle by means of a number of songs, and also you’ll most likely hear the one that you love Christmas carol in some unspecified time in the future.
5. Be 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—youngsters and adults—shifting. It’s a good way to burn off a number 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 shocked if he tosses in a couple of vacation jokes or interacts with the group.
7. Meet Dr. Harry & His Vacation Mates
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 buddies. They’ll be decked out of their festive best, prepared for selfies and massive smiles.
Insider Tip: This can be a common place to take photographs with the children and likewise 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 possibly can plan your meal round a efficiency — Sydney’s Grill has respectable burgers, BBQ, and craft beer on its menu. Plus, there’s a variety of seating to relaxation drained legs.
9. Snap a Festive Photograph with Santa (On Choose Dates)
The place to Discover It: Santa’s Manufacturing facility (examine the Zoo’s schedule for which evenings Santa might be in attendance).
What to Anticipate: Santa makes a particular cease on the Jungle Bells, prepared to listen to vacation needs from company of all ages. This can be a limited-time alternative, so if a photograph with Santa is in your vacation bucket checklist, don’t miss it.
Santa’s Manufacturing facility is adorned in vacation splendor, creating a comfy backdrop for a cherished household memento. It’s additionally a pleasant, quietish nook to catch your breath and soak within the cheer.
10. Giggle 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. Children will love how foolish and sudden this present may be, and fogeys 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 concerning 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 Scorching 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. Benefit from the Zoo’s Yr-Spherical Animal Experiences (With a Vacation Twist)
The place to Discover It: Throughout the Zoo, in fact!
What to Anticipate: Whereas the vacation lights and exhibits are the primary draw throughout Jungle Bells, don’t neglect that most of the Zoo’s animals are nonetheless out and about.
Grabbing a timed ticket to see the San Diego Zoo pandas is likely to 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 youngsters for the vacations, this seasonal occasion permits you to see our well-known Zoo in a unique gentle (actually).
Examine the Zoo’s web site or app for precise present occasions, arrive early, and don’t neglect to seize our discounted San Diego Zoo tickets earlier than you go.
Jungle Bells photographs are courtesy of San Diego Zoo.