December 31 @ 9:30 am – 12:30 pm EST

Celebrate the new year without losing any sleep! 🎊 Noon Year’s Eve is a kid-friendly celebration that allows youngsters to experience all the fun of welcoming a new year while keeping bedtime in mind – including a dance party, sparkling juice “toast”, countdown, and ball drop at noon.

The festivities begin at 9:30 a.m. with a dance party and fun photo ops. At 11:45 a.m. in the Fountain Plaza, children will receive their free sparkling juice (while supplies last), and parents can purchase their own celebratory beverage for an additional cost. Together, families can ring in the “Noon Year” while watching our mirrorball drop countdown. Guests are free to explore the Zoo after the party.

This special event is free to Zoo members and included with paid Zoo admission. Event is rain or shine.

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

Activities & Vendors

  • 9:30am-10:15am, 10:45am-11:30am : Animal Ambassador Greeters
  • 9:30am-12:30pm: Greet Tango the Tiger, Virginia Zoo mascot
  • 10:00am – 11:45am: Soft, Spikey, Wiggly and Cute! An Up-Close Zoo in the Admin Classroom (15 guests permitted in every 20 mins – a great sensory-friendly activity!)   
  • 11:55am: Countdown until noon and mirrorball drop in the Fountain Plaza
  • Dance party in Fountain Plaza
  • Zoo Years Resolutions Station
  • Free sparkling cider toast for kids (while supplies last)
    • Adults 21+ can purchase an alcoholic beverage to toast with ($)
  • Train rides ($)
  • Gift Shop open ($)
    • $3 – 2025 glasses (while supplies last)
  • Tinseltown 757 – Fairy Hair ($)
  • Community Vendors

Food & Drinks ($)

  • African Village Restaurant ($)
  • 10:30am – 12:30pm: Monster Bar in Fountain Plaza with champagne ($5), mimosas ($6), & non-alcoholic sparkling cider ($3)

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.