November Buzz: Celebrate the holidays with the Zoo

2023 November Buzz

The Gift of Lights in South Bend

The Gift of Lights, efficiently powered by Indiana Michigan Power, starts November 24 this year. This year, we have two very special guests: a pair of real reindeer!

Along with meeting the reindeer, you can visit Santa and Mrs. Claus (both free experiences!), enjoy hot drinks and snacks (plus some delicious seasonal adult beverages), feed the giraffes, ride the train, check out the gift shop, catch a special appearance by the South Bend Civic Theatre, and so much more.

The Gift of Lights is November 24 through December 23, Fridays and Saturdays from 5-9 pm, and Sundays from 5-8 pm.

Admission is available in-person at the Zoo only. Attraction passes may be used for the train and giraffe feeding.

Learn More Here!

Holiday Crafts With Our Animals

Join Education staff for a one-of-a-kind holiday experience before you enjoy the Gift of Lights at the Zoo.

First, you'll get to learn about one of our cool ambassador animals while they paint a holiday masterpiece on either a cutout ornament or card. When they're done, you can add your own finishing touches to make an art piece to take home. Plus, enjoy hot chocolate and some cookies before heading out to see the holiday lights!

It's $30 for adults, $25 for seniors, $20 for children, and babies 0-2 are free.

This program also includes admission to Gift of Lights and light snacks.

(Andean) Beary Christmas!

This holiday season, show your love for Andean bears, like our very own Muniri, with this holiday design. A portion of the proceeds from each shirt sale will support conservation programs here and around the world.

Andean bears, also known as spectacled bears, are a unique species of bear native to South America. Unfortunately, they're vulnerable to extinction in the wild, and we want to help! We contribute to Andean bear conservation as well as Chacoan peccaries, giraffes, rhinos, red pandas, and more.

Support Bears Here!

Giving ZOOday

November 28 is Giving ZOOday, a chance to demonstrate support for zoos working to preserve wildlife for generations to come. Your support allows us to be a leader in animal conservation while providing an affordable, educational, and family-friendly destination all year long.

This Giving ZOOday, we hope you consider a financial gift to the Zoo’s Annual Fund to help us continue following our mission and making a difference in the world.

Thank you!

Save the Date!

A Special Holiday Encounter

If you’ve been wanting to meet one of our two-toed sloths, this holiday season is your perfect opportunity! You can reserve a spot to meet Tempo, who was born right here at the Potawatomi Zoo, or Lenny, a fan favorite!

Learn more about this cool species and get up close and personal with this curious young sloth. It’s $25 per person to meet a sloth (and maybe even feed one) on Sundays at 7 pm during the Gift of Lights in the Learning Center Classroom.