Wild Wonderland Opens Today at Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo

annual holiday event opens today, Dec. 3 with millions of lights, holiday decorations, animatronic displays, plus Santa himself and his herd of real reindeer.

The event runs from 6:30 to 10 p.m. today and on Dec. 9-11, Dec. 16-23, and and Dec. 26-30.

Most of the zoo, which closes at 5 p.m., reopens for the event, including Stingray Bay, the Florida Manatee and Aquatic Center, and Pony Trek. The Santa's Reindeer exhibit will feature real reindeer, and the zoo's African penguins will stay up late for the festivities at the Penguin Beach exhibit.

The Enchanted Castle Light Show at the main entrance features thousands of lights syncronized to holiday music, plus simulted snow flurries.

Animal figures, simulated snowflakes, holiday trees, and moving displays will adorn the zoo throughout, including the new Frozen Forest, a winter motif of ice and snow.

Santa, and on occasion Mrs. Claus, will be on hand near the Manatee Fountains for photo opportunities. The Sweet Shoppe, located adjacent to the Winter Carousel, will offer gourmet cupcakes, specialty cookies, hand-dipped ice cream, candy apples, and nostalgic candies.

Rudolph's Reindeer Games, adjacent to the Reindeer Barn, will test kids' skills with a  variety of games for prizes. Many of the zoo's free rides will also remain open.

General admission is $13 for adults, $11 for ages 3-11, and 2 and younger free. Guests who purchase one day zoo tickets during the month of December can upgrade, at the time of purchase, to a Wild Wonderland Combination Ticket for $10 more for adults, and $8 more for ages 3 to 11. Your Wild Wonderland "part" of the combination ticket is valid for any night of the event. Must be purchased at the zoo's main gate.