Erie Zoo Extends Hours for Winter Wonderland

Erin Phillips

Gen Xers and Millennials in Erie likely remember with fondness the yearly glow of ZooLumination - this winter, the Erie Zoo is harkening back to those times as they open up the zoo on select weekends with winter activities to enjoy throughout the chilly season.

BEGINNING SATURDAY, DEC. 14

The Erie Zoo will open on select weekends in December, January, and February, keeping visitors entertained and warm through winter. With exhibits featuring over 400 animals and 11 gardens, the Zoo ends its centennial year by celebrating its legacy of providing accessible and educational experiences to the Erie community.

"Our 100th anniversary is an exciting opportunity to reflect on the past and look to the future," Erie Zoo CEO Roo Kojancie described. "Being able to enjoy the zoo in the winter months is a new experience for many people in our community and a nostalgic memory to our lifelong zoo supporters. Staff and animals look forward to welcoming guests during these new winter hours."

To commence the new hours, the Erie Zoo will host a Winter Wonderland, which is included in the price of admission and free to all Erie Zoo members. This event features programming for families, including live entertainment, crafts, holiday shopping at the Animal Art Show, and photo opportunities with the "Mean Green One." The Wild Winter Snowflake Contest features decorations made by community members displayed across the zoo. The top three entries will receive recognition and prizes.

In partnership with award-winning artist Tara Stonestreet of Taradoodles Toybox, the Erie Zoo will collect donations during Winter Wonderland to give local toys to families in need. The toy donation list features recommendations for children of all ages, with donations collected by the admissions gate. Guests can receive free face paintings or glitter tattoos with each donation.

Dec. 14 and 15, Jan. 18 and 19, and Feb. 15 and 16 // 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. // Erie Zoo, 423 W. 38th St. // $8-12 (normal cost of admission) or free to members // For info: eriezoo.org