The Indianapolis Zoo sits in White River State Park at 1200 West Washington Street, a short walk or ride from the downtown hotels, which makes it one of the easiest major zoos in America to fit into a city break. It is organized around habitats, with oceans, plains and forest areas, and it is attached to the White River Gardens, a conservatory and outdoor garden by the river. Highlights include the big cats, the penguins and the sea lions, and the zoo is known for its orangutan center and its strong conservation work. In winter many animals stay active in heated indoor spaces, so a cold-weather visit is quieter but still rewarding. The best reason to come in November and December is Christmas at the Zoo, which runs from 21 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. From 5pm each evening the grounds glow with light displays, Santa's reindeer join the animals, Santa receives visitors in his Magic Cottage, and stands sell food, hot cocoa and seasonal cocktails. The event is included with general admission, which makes it one of the better-value holiday outings in the city.
Hours and dates: the zoo's standard daytime hours are listed as 9am to 4pm daily. Christmas at the Zoo runs every evening from 21 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, with festivities starting at 5pm, except on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, when the evening event is closed. Admission to Christmas at the Zoo is included with general admission; check the zoo's tickets page for prices on your date, as the zoo is also included on the Indianapolis Attractions Pass.
Good to know: the line for Santa's Magic Cottage closes an hour before the zoo closes, so arrive early if a visit with Santa matters. Sensory-friendly evenings with reduced sound, smell and lighting run from 5pm on Wednesday 2 and Wednesday 16 December, with free sensory bags and quiet rooms. Weeknights are calmer than weekends. Dress for cold, as much of the route is outdoors.
Getting there: the zoo is about a mile west of Monument Circle in White River State Park, next to the Indiana State Museum and the Central Canal. From the downtown hotels you can walk in around twenty minutes along Washington Street or the canal, or take a short taxi ride. Combine it with the State Museum on the same day, or with a walk along the canal and the White River before dark.
What to expect
The experience
A habitat-based zoo with gardens, indoor animal areas and, in the holiday season, an evening light festival with Santa and his reindeer.
Best time
Late afternoon on a weeknight in late November or early December, so you see the animals in daylight and stay for the lights.
How long
Two to three hours by day, plus an hour or two for Christmas at the Zoo.
Tips
Arrive before 5pm to see the animals before the lights, join the Santa line early, and avoid the five closed holiday evenings.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families, couples looking for a festive evening, and visitors staying downtown.
- Families
- Christmas at the Zoo is included in admission and has Santa, reindeer and sensory-friendly nights.
- Couples
- Walk the lights with a hot cocoa or a seasonal cocktail after an afternoon in White River State Park.
- Pair with
- The Indiana State Museum next door and a stroll along the Central Canal.
- Time needed
- Half a day, or an afternoon running into the evening lights.
Good questions
When is Christmas at the Zoo 2026?+
It runs from 21 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, starting at 5pm each evening. It is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
Is Christmas at the Zoo included in admission?+
Yes, the event is included with general zoo admission. Food, drinks and some extras are sold separately.
Can you walk to the Indianapolis Zoo from downtown?+
Yes, the zoo is about a mile west of Monument Circle in White River State Park. Allow around twenty minutes on foot, or take a short taxi ride.
Are there sensory-friendly nights at Christmas at the Zoo?+
Yes, on Wednesday 2 and Wednesday 16 December the event runs with reduced sound, smell and lighting. Free sensory bags and quiet rooms are offered.
What are the Indianapolis Zoo hours?+
Daytime hours are listed as 9am to 4pm daily. During Christmas at the Zoo the evening festivities start at 5pm.
