Christmas Lights Festival 2023

See the Montgomery Zoo transformed into a Winter Wonderland displaying thousands of sparkling and twinkling lights and festive decorations at Christmas Lights Festival.  Take a leisurely stroll or enjoy a brisk train ride. Safely visit Santa and the Christmas Tree Village at the Mann Museum, enjoy the live entertainment at the Overlook Cafe, and no winter's night would be complete without some warming hot chocolate and fresh baked cookies from the Overlook Cafe. Make plans to swing by the Zoo and Museum Gift Shops for last minute gift purchases, souvenirs, and to participate in the Zoo Animal Angel Tree, helping conservation efforts at the Zoo and around the world.    

Christmas Lights Festival has been a River Region, holiday tradition and mainstay for generations. Enjoy strolling about the Zoo enjoying the lights and sounds of the holiday season. Swing by to visit Santa and get in those last minute Christmas wishes. Purchase a membership, legacy brick paver, or animal adoption for that hard to buy for person on your gift list. Or take advantage of the awesome sales in the Gift Shop for that animal lover at home.   

Welcome to the Floor & Decor Christmas Tree Village at the Mann Museum.  Travel through the hallways of the Mann Museum while being delighted and joyed viewing 25 Christmas Trees decorated by various companies, groups, and organizations from the River Region community. See the holiday spirit in action with thousands of holiday ornaments, lights, ribbon, and bows. And if you listen closely, you may hear the sound of Santa and his reindeer. 

At the end of the Christmas Tree Village, you will enter a Winter Wonderland where Santa and his elves await a visit with all the little boys, girls, and their families. Santa and his elves are looking forward to wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a joyous holiday season. 

Theme Nights @ Christmas Lights Festival

Dec 1: Tacky Christmas Sweater night

Dec 2: Sport teams night, wear favorite team apparel

Dec 8: Food night (collect donations for Heart of Alabama Food Bank, and we will have a food truck on property, selling holiday goodies and beverages

Dec 9: Star Wars night (Star War characters will be at the Zoo, and we encourage guests to dress up)

Dec 15: Favorite Holiday Characters / movies night (Grinch, Charlie Brown, Elf, Christmas Story, Christmas Vacation, etc)

Dec 16: Laua / Hawaiian Christmas night (Hawaiian shirts, grass skirts, leis)

Dec 22: Super hero / villain night (people dress up, collect donations for Montgomery Humane Shelter

Dec 23: Decades night (60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, period dress)

Dec 24: Pajama night (rated G of course, family friendly) 

Entertainment @ Christmas Lights Festival

December 1

7PM: She BANG Clog, Ballet, and Jazz Dance Group

December 2

6PM – 9PM: Rachel and Jason Rhodes

December 4

6PM Nehemiah Kids

December 6

6PM: Prattville Elementary and Intermediate School

December 7

6PM: Madison Homes School

December 8

6PM – 9PM: Leap of Faith Dance Group

December 9

6PM: Taekwondo Martial Arts

7PM: Soulful Psalmist

8PM: Dream Makers Dance

December 10

6PM: Frank and Cindy Clemency

December 11

6PM: Booker T Washington Magnet School

December 12

7PM – 9PM: Montgomery Recreators Jazz Band

December 13

6PM: Capitol Sounds Concert Band

7PM: Pike Road Schools

December 14

6PM Coosada Elementary Dance Team and Show Choir

7PM Tammy’s Dance Academy

8PM Dallas County High School Band & Choir

December 15

6PM – 9PM: Rachel and Jason Rhodes

December 16

6PM – 8PM: Taekwondo Martial Arts

December 18

6PM: Redland Elementary School Choir

December 19

6PM – 8PM: Lisa’s Dance Dimensions / Next Dimensions Gymanstics

December 21

6PM: Maxwell AFB Catholic Chapel Choir

Christmas Lights Festival event admission fees:

Regular night time admission: $12 (ages 3 years old and older).  

Admission fee includes; entry to the Lights Festival, stroll throughout the Zoo seeing thousands of lights and holiday displays, visit with Santa @ the Mann Museum (available nightly thru Dec 23), entry to the Christmas Tree Village @ the Mann Museum, and entertainment at the Overlook Cafe (see below) Toddlers 2 years and younger are FREE. 

Montgomery Zoo members: FREE 

Admission for members includes; entry to the Lights Festival, stroll throughout the Zoo seeing thousands of lights and holiday displays,  visit with Santa @ the Mann Museum (available nightly thru Dec 23), entry to the Christmas Tree Village @ the Mann Museum, and entertainment at the Overlook Cafe (see below) Toddlers 2 years and younger are FREE. 

Train ride is only included with those memberships having the train ride as part of their membership.

Date: December 1- 25, 2023

December 1, 2023 - Opening night (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM)

December 2 - 25, 2023 - (5:30 PM - 9:00 PM)

Location: Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Museum

2301 Coliseum Parkway, Montgomery, Alabama 36110

Click here for more information