December 31 @ 9:30 am – 12:30 pm EST

Calling all early risers and young party animals – you don’t have to stay up all night to celebrate the new year at the Zoo! Noon Year’s Eve is a family-friendly celebration featuring a wild dance party, a sparkling juice “toast”, countdown, and ball drop at noon. It’s all the fun of welcoming 2026 without disrupting the kids’ (or your) bedtime routine! This year’s celebration will be extra special as the kick-off for the Virginia Zoo’s 125th Anniversary! With special activities, all-day zoo-access, photo-ops, and more, we know you’ll love starting the year on the wild side!

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

***NOTE: For the safety of our guests and animals, no confetti poppers will be permitted.

Purchase your general admission tickets here!

Activities

Activities included with admission

  • 9:30 – 10am: Animal Ambassador Greeters in the Fountain Plaza
  • 9:30am – 12:30pm: Photo ops with Tango the Tiger
  • 10 – 11:45am: Up Close Zoo in World of Reptiles Classroom
    • Get an up-close look at some of our animal ambassadors. These animals have special jobs: they meet our guests to teach about their species. To limit stimulation, we’ll be allowing 15 guests in the room every 20 minutes
  • 10:45 – 11:15am: Animal Ambassador Greeters in the Fountain Plaza
  • 12pm: Noon Year’s Eve ball drop
    • Sparkling cider available for children while supplies last
  • Make your “Zoo Years Resolutions” in the Fountain Plaza with visiting organizations:

Activities available for an additional cost ($)

  • Virginia Zoo Express train rides*
    • *The Virginia Zoo Express Train will not operate if the temperature is below 45 degrees.
  • Fairy Hair from Tinseltown 757
  • Face painting by Artfully Yours
  • Virginia Zoo Gift Shop
    • 2026 glasses available for purchase while supplies last

Food & Drinks ($)

  • 10am – 4pm: African Village Restaurant open
  • 10:30 am – 12:30pm: Fountain Plaza Bar
    • Champagne, mimosas, and sparkling cider available for purchase

Thank you to our sponsor for this event, E.T. Gresham!

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.