Rosamond Gifford Zoo Announces Return of Holiday Nights 2025

Posted on November 25, 2025

This December, the zoo transforms into a festive winter wonderland with dazzling lights, live entertainment, and special holiday characters!

SYRACUSE, NY – It's the most wonderful time of the year! Holiday Nights returns to the Rosamond Gifford Zoo for a holiday experience unlike any other. Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo hosts these enchanting evenings on Fridays and Saturdays, December 5–20, from 5–8 p.m., transforming the zoo into a festive winter wonderland. We welcome the public to enjoy a delightful, after-hours stroll across zoo grounds filled with sparkling light displays, dazzling entertainment, and sweet treats as we come together to support wildlife conservation. Tickets are on sale now at rosamondgiffordzoo.org.

Guests can enjoy special holiday moments, including:

  • Visits with Santa and Friends: Santa will be here every night of our event but guests won’t want to miss, Mrs. Claus, Wannabe the Magical Moose, Frostina, the Sparkling Christmas Ornament, and Twinkle, the Magical Christmas Tree who will be here December 5 and 6! You may even run into everyone’s favorite Blue Heeler!
  • More Beloved Characters: Photo opportunities with beloved winter characters, including the famous snow queen, her sister, and their silly snowman friend, making special appearances throughout the grounds!
  • Live Holiday Music: Enjoy festive performances from local groups, including Caroling
  • Holiday Shopping Market: A dedicated area featuring 20+ vendors for unique items, perfect for finishing your holiday shopping.
  • The NEW Holiday Village: A festive area focused on community and comfort, featuring fire pits with s'mores, a hot chocolate stand, and additional live entertainment for all ages. (The Honeybee Café and Hofmann Dog House will also be open.)
  • Dazzling light displays throughout the zoo grounds.

'Tis the season for giving, and Holiday Nights is no exception. When guests participate in Holiday Nights, they give the gift of support to our zoo. In the spirit of the season, the Friends Zoo United campaign will donate $1 from every hot chocolate purchased at Holiday Nights to United Way of Central New York.

Join us at Holiday Nights as we celebrate our beloved animals, the essential place they have in our world, and work towards conserving wildlife locally and globally.

###

CenterState CEO

Other Member News

KeyBank's 2026 Economic & Market Outlook
April 8, 2026

KeyBank's 2026 Economic & Market Outlook

If you’re navigating questions around inflation, interest rates, volatility, portfolio strategy, fiscal policy and more, this event offers timely guidance and a clear look at the forces shaping the year ahead.

April 8, 2026

How to Prepare for a Due Diligence Review by Investors, Potential Licensees, and Buyers (with a Little IP Sprinkled In)

This presentation will outline the many steps that a company should take to best prepare for a corporate due diligence review from both the buyer/investor/licensee and seller/licensor perspective.

April 8, 2026

Rosamond Gifford Zoo Hosts "Novelis Party for the Planet"

This year, the zoo continues it’s celebration beyond one-day to lead a region-wide effort focused on cleaning, creating, and connecting to protect the planet we all call home.

April 7, 2026

One City. One Campus. One Community.

This exhibit highlights the powerful collaboration between SUNY Oswego and the greater Oswego community, showcasing the ongoing work of the Campus-City Relations Committee.

Mark A. Wolgin, MD - SOS Spine Surgeon
April 7, 2026

Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists Welcomes Spine Surgeon Mark Wolgin, MD, to the Organization

Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists Welcomes Spine Surgeon Mark Wolgin, MD, to the Organization

April 7, 2026

Rachel's Warrior Run

Join the Rachel’s Warrior Run—a powerful community event supporting survivors and raising awareness for domestic and sexual violence.

NY SBDC Fast Track to Small Business Workshop
April 7, 2026

National Public Health Week

A full week of free programming focused on prevention, education, and community wellness,

NY SBDC Fast Track to Small Business Workshop
April 7, 2026

Aqua Spa Float Center Introduces Luxury Piercing Experience & “Pint-Sized Piercings” Event

Aqua Spa Float Center is hosting a Luxury Piercing Experience April 17–18 featuring expert guest piercer Johnross Switz (20+ years experience) and Leroi Fine Body Jewellery.

United Way of Central New York Initiatives and Events
April 7, 2026

United Way of Central New York Initiatives and Events

Read more on the latest from United Way of Central New York!