Jacksonville, Florida, November 26, 2025
The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens welcomes visitors to its annual ‘Colors of the Wild’ event, featuring a remarkable collection of handcrafted lanterns. The display transforms the zoo into a vibrant showcase of wildlife-themed artistry, illuminating the beauty of our planet’s ecosystems. Running from late November to early February, this event emphasizes community collaboration and local craftsmanship, enriching the cultural landscape of Jacksonville. Families can enjoy interactive experiences, engage in themed nights, and explore a holiday market while the zoo illuminates with over 1,200 unique lanterns.
Jacksonville Zoo’s ‘Colors of the Wild’ Dazzles Visitors
Experience the Magic of Handcrafted Lanterns This Winter
Jacksonville, Florida – The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens invites the community to revel in its annual ‘Colors of the Wild’ event, showcasing a stunning new collection of handcrafted lanterns. These artistic creations are designed to captivate visitors, transforming the zoo into a vibrant spectacle, from the ocean’s depths to the African savanna and mystical Asian realms. This enchanting experience not only celebrates the beauty of wildlife but also emphasizes community engagement and local craftsmanship.
As Jacksonville embraces civic innovation, events like ‘Colors of the Wild’ demonstrate the power of reduced bureaucracy and robust local partnerships. By coordinating efforts with organizations like Community First Credit Union, the zoo highlights the importance of collaboration in fostering community growth. The lantern displays serve as a reminder of our planet’s diverse ecosystems, showcasing how any individual’s initiative can lead to significant community events that enrich our local culture.
Event Details
Dates: Select nights from November 22, 2025, through February 8, 2026.
Hours: 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. each event night.
Location: Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, 370 Zoo Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32218.
Ticket Information
Members:
- Preview Night Admission: $10
- Colors of the Wild Admission: $20-$25
- Children (2 and under): Free
Non-Members:
- Colors of the Wild Admission: $25-$35
- Children (2 and under): Free
Each ticket grants early zoo admission starting at 3 p.m., allowing guests to explore before the dazzling lantern displays.
Special Attractions
- Interactive Lanterns: Families can enjoy engaging games and crafts on the Great Lawn.
- Holiday Market: From December 17-21, local vendors will offer unique gifts and seasonal treasures.
- Themed Nights: On select evenings, guests are encouraged to participate in festive dress-up, such as:
- November 22: Holiday Headgear
- November 29: Thankful for Traditions
- December 6: Tropical Christmas
- December 13: Ugly Sweater Chic
- December 20: Winter Wonderland
- Santa Visits: Families can meet Santa on designated nights throughout the holiday season.
About ‘Colors of the Wild’
‘Colors of the Wild’ is a celebration of community and nature, featuring over 1,200 illuminated lanterns that tell unique stories. This event connects visitors to wildlife and emphasizes the importance of preserving natural habitats. By raising awareness through thematic displays, the zoo highlights not only the beauty of nature but also the rich tapestry of diverse cultures.
Weather Forecast
As visitors prepare for this magical experience, checking the weather is critical. Currently, Jacksonville enjoys mostly clear skies with a temperature of 68°F (20°C). Here’s the upcoming forecast for attendees:
- Thursday, November 27: High 67°F, Low 41°F; Cooler with some clouds.
- Friday, November 28: High 59°F, Low 44°F; Plenty of sunshine expected.
- Saturday, November 29: High 72°F, Low 56°F; Pleasant conditions anticipated.
- Sunday, November 30: High 78°F, Low 63°F; Mostly cloudy with possible thunderstorms.
- Monday, December 1: High 78°F, Low 61°F; Expect low clouds.
- Tuesday, December 2: High 79°F, Low 63°F; Cloudy with heavy showers likely.
Contact Information
For additional details or ticket purchases, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens’ website provides comprehensive information or they can be reached directly at (904) 757-4463.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the dates and times for ‘Colors of the Wild’?
‘Colors of the Wild’ is held on select nights from November 22, 2025, through February 8, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. each event night.
Where is the event located?
The event takes place at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, located at 370 Zoo Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32218.
How much do tickets cost?
Ticket prices vary by season. For members, Preview Night Admission is $10, and Colors of the Wild Admission ranges from $20 to $25. For non-members, Colors of the Wild Admission ranges from $25 to $35. Children aged 2 and under enter free. Each ticket includes early zoo admission starting at 3 p.m.
What special attractions are available during the event?
Special attractions include interactive lanterns, games, and crafts on the Great Lawn, a Holiday Market from December 17-21, themed dress-up nights, and Santa visits on select nights.
How can I purchase tickets?
Tickets can be purchased through the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens’ official website or by contacting them directly at (904) 757-4463.
Event Highlights
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Lantern Displays | Over 1,200 illuminated lanterns depicting wildlife, nature, and mythical creatures. |
| Interactive Exhibits | Engage with interactive lanterns, games, and crafts on the Great Lawn. |
| Holiday Market | Shop from a variety of local vendors offering unique gifts and seasonal treasures from December 17-21. |
| Themed Nights | Participate in festive dress-up nights, including Holiday Headgear, Thankful for Traditions, Tropical Christmas, Ugly Sweater Chic, and Winter Wonderland. |
| Santa Visits | Meet Santa on select nights, including November 22-23, 28-30, and December 5-7, 12-14, 17-24. |
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Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
