LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville Zoo visitors will soon have a unique chance to celebrate the holidays.   

What You Need To Know

  • The Louisville Zoo is launching "Qannik's Beary Happy Holiday," a new winter-themed event beginning Dec. 2 

  • The event will run the first three weekends of December 

  • Activities include visiting with animals, writing letters to Santa Claus and a scavenger hunt 

  • Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on-site Dec. 16-17 for visits with guests 

For the first three weekends of December (2-3, 9-10, 16-17), the zoo will become a winter wonderland for “Qannik’s Beary Happy Holiday.” Named after its polar bear Qannik, guests will have the opportunity to visit animals and take part in holiday-themed activities such as writing letters to Santa Claus at the zoo’s gift shop.

Holiday elves will offer treats including hot chocolate and s’mores, along with cookie decorating for guests. The zoo is also starting a monthlong scavenger hunt, which visitors can join by QR code upon arrival. Those who complete at least half of the hunt will be entered into a drawing for zoo-themed prizes.  

Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will make their zoo debut on Dec. 16-17 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

The event is included with zoo admission or membership. Guests bringing at least one non-perishable food item can buy discounted tickets on-site, which are $10 for adults and $7 for children and seniors. The zoo will donate twenty-five cents of every ticket to support its conservation efforts. Visitors are encouraged to visit the zoo’s website for a detailed schedule of animal enrichment activities, which are subject to change based on weather or animal needs. 

Through Feb. 29, 2024 the zoo is celebrating Wild Winter Days, offering visitors discounted admission along with a food drive for Dare to Care Food Bank. Hours are 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 

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