Santa Claus is coming to town along with Mrs. Claus and all the “Monkeys on the Mantle” for Holiday Fest at the NEW Zoo & Adventure Park. Join us on Saturday, December 7^th from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for a holly jolly good time. This event is free with regular zoo admission.

Twinkle the mischievous Monkey Elf and her friends will once again be hiding all around the Zoo for guests to find. When you spot a Monkey Elf, check them off on your holiday BINGO game card, which kids can use to claim a prize in the Visitor Center before leaving. Don’t forget to stop into the Mayan Restaurant and say hello to Santa and Mrs. Claus! You can drop off your letters to Santa or tell him your wish list in person.

Several other winter-themed activities, including games and crafts, will be available throughout the event. A few special animal friends will also make appearances, so be sure to step inside the Education & Conservation Center building to see which critters are out and about.

The Neil Anderson Canopy Tour will be open starting at 9:00 a.m. (weather permitting), so you can enjoy a bird’s-eye view of our very own winter wonderland. Merry & Bright Canopy Lights will also take place on December 7^th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Experience the quiet calm of a winter’s night at the Zoo during these extended hours and see sights illuminated by moonlight and thousands of festive, holiday lights. Tickets for these evening excursions are available at the Adventure Park’s Base Camp Building and are also available online at newzoo.org.