Roger Williams Park Zoo Lights Up the Season with Return of Holiday Lights Spectacular November 27 – January 3
Providence, Rhode Island (October 28, 2026) Roger Williams Park Zoo is once again switching on the season. Holiday Lights Spectacular, presented by Rhode Island Energy, returns with more than 3.5 million twinkling lights spread across 40 acres of festive fun.
Guests are invited to bundle up and wander glowing pathways lined with whimsical displays, from playful penguins to shimmering snowflakes. It’s all part of New England’s favorite winter tradition.
Along the way, visitors can warm up with a hot chocolate or an adult beverage, toast s’mores by the fire, and see the Zoo in a whole new light after dark. Whether it’s an annual family outing, date night or a first-time visit, Holiday Lights Spectacular is a bright way to celebrate the season.
The event runs nightly from November 27, 2026, through January 3, 2027, from 5:00 to 9:30 pm (closed Dec. 24th and 25th)
Special Happenings
Guests can look forward to some special activities at Roger Williams Park Zoo’s Holiday Lights Spectacular this season:
Santa Parade – Join us on December 4th at 5:30 pm for the parade and Santa’s Arrival! The parade will feature Zoo trains, decorated Zoo trucks and carts, and a Model A car transporting Santa, along with carolers and Santa’s elves. During Touch-a-Truck, Monroe Dairy will be handing out milk and cookie samples in Nourish Plaza. Guests can also enjoy visits with Santa in the gift shop from 6:00–8:00 pm and Roger story times on the side of the gift shop at 6:00, 7:00, and 8:00 pm.
Discount Tuesdays – Enjoy special savings every Tuesday night- all guests will receive $5 off admission to the Holiday Lights Spectacular.
Meet & Greets with Frozen Favorites – Mondays and Wednesdays, 5:30–7:30 PM Meet Elsa, Anna, and Olaf, along with the Grinch, for a festive photo opportunity. Don’t forget your camera!
Visits with Santa presented by Bank Newport – Every Friday, Saturday, Sunday from December 4 – 20 from 6-8pm. Stop by Santa’s Workshop in the Zoo Gift Shop to say hello and snap a picture with Santa himself.
Nightly Storytime with Roger the Red Panda – 6:00, 7:00, and 8:00 PM Join Roger the Red Panda mascot and a special storyteller for the Zoo’s playful retelling of ’Twas the Night Before Christmas.
Tickets for Holiday Lights must be purchased online in advance. FOR INFORMATION AND TO PURCHASE TICKETS VISIT: www.rwpzoo.org/holidaylights (tickets are now on sale)
Photos are available: www.dropbox.com/holidaylights
WEATHER POLICY – Holiday Lights Spectacular is open rain or shine. In the case of light to moderate rain or snow, the show will be open. There will be no refunds or rescheduling. Please call-in advance, check the website, or visit Facebook for updates and weather policy.
Proceeds from the Holiday Lights Spectacular support the Zoo’s ongoing animal care, education programs and conservation initiatives. Thank you for helping us save wildlife and wild places!
Roger Williams Park Zoo is Rhode Island’s number one outdoor family and tourist attraction, and a leader in conservation efforts undertaken by a zoo of its size. As leaders in conservation and animal care – we create engaging experiences that empower guests to join us in conserving wildlife and wild places. The Rhode Island Zoological Society operates and funds Roger Williams Park Zoo as a partner of the City of Providence, which provides ongoing support. The Zoo is one of many features in historic Roger Williams Park.
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