December 6 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm EST

Whether the holiday season has you leaping for joy or saying “baaa humbug”? 🐑 Have no fear, visit the Virginia Zoo to experience seasonal cheer at our second annual Holidays in the Wild: Holiday Market on December 6th from 11am-3pm! Stroll our animal trails with a warm, cozy beverage in hand ☕, take in the sounds of the season listening to cheerful carolers, watch animals interact with festive enrichment, and shop local artisans to give a one-of-a-kind gift that gives back to your community. 🎁 🛍️ This holiday market is sure to be your new family tradition full of joyful memories of wildlife and wonder! ❄️

THIS EVENT IS FREE WITH YOUR GENERAL ZOO ADMISSION AND TAKES PLACE RAIN OR SHINE!

Help local animals have a happy howl-iday season by giving to our Norfolk Animal Care Center donation drive! The Zoo will be offering one (1) free admission with a donation to Norfolk Animal Care Center (NACC) on the day of the event. Bring a 5 pound or larger bag of dry pet food (any brand, flavor, or size animal) or three (3) NEW items off the list below:

  • Blankets and comforters
  • Towels and washcloths
  • Dog toys (especially for tough chewers)
  • Toys for cats and small mammals
  • Dog collars, harnesses, and leashes
  • Dog & cat treats
  • Small animals supplies

Donations can be made at the Norfolk Animal Care Center’s Waggin’ Wheels mobile unit located in front of the Zoo ALL DAY on the day of the event. Free admission can only be used on Saturday, December 6th and multiple donations can receive multiple admissions.

Purchase your general admission ticket here!

Activities

Activities included with admission

  • 11am – 3pm: Photo ops with Tango the Tiger
  • 11am: Zoo Tales – Birds
  • 11am: Community Science Chat in the outdoor classroom
  • 11:30am: Animal Ambassador Pop-up at the Event Pavilion
  • 12pm – 2pm: Doorway Singers
  • 12:30pm: Holiday show with our cryptid zookeepers, Zoosquatch and Zoozilla at the ZooLive! Stage
  • 1:30pm: Educator Chat
  • 2:00pm: Animal Ambassador Pop-up at the Event Pavilion
  • 2:30pm: Holiday show with our cryptid zookeepers, Zoosquatch and Zoozilla at the ZooLive! Stage
  • 2:30pm: Southern cassowary keeper chat on the Asia: Trail of the Tiger
  • Themed animal enrichment throughout the Zoo
  • FREE Coca-Cola holiday ornament giveaway to the first 300 guests to arrive
  • Eco-Friendly Gift Wrapping Demonstration Station

Activities available for an additional cost ($)

  • 11am – 2pm: Train Rides and Photos with Santa*
    • *The Virginia Zoo Express Train will not operate if the temperature is below 45 degrees. In the event of train closure, photos with Santa will be moved to the Virginia Zoo Gift Shop.
  • Bounce house ($)

Holiday Vendor Market ($)

Food & Drinks ($)

Event Reminders

  • Tickets are non-refundable. All sales are final. Should a ticket holder be unable to attend the event, the purchase will be considered a donation.
  • As an outdoor venue, events are rain or shine unless otherwise indicated. If any changes are made, an announcement via an email to our members and/or ticket holders and on the Virginia Zoo social media channels will be issued prior the event.
  • The Zoo is a smoke-free facility; no smoking is allowed inside the Zoo. This also includes e-cigarettes and vaping. Inability to follow this rule will result in dismissal from Zoo grounds without a refund.
  • By purchasing an event ticket, you agree to abide by the Virginia Zoo’s Rules & Policies.