Marketed as the most magical lighting display you’ll see this Christmas, Zoo Lights delivered on its promise of whimsy, wonder, and merriment.

The grounds of the Hope Zoo mirrored a child’s greatest Christmas fantasy as nature offered the perfect backdrop for back-to-back unforgettable nights of quality family entertainment, filled with festive vibes and holiday cheer.

From the moment one sets foot onto the premises the spirit of Christmas carried you into the sweetest escape. It was as if one entered an alternate universe conjured up by Santa and his elves, specifically for families from the tropics.

For a few hours, island folks got to experience what it must be like at the magical North Pole as bright lights transformed the venue into the most magical space. From majestic candy canes to a tunnel of lights leading to a star so grandiose that it became the centre of attraction, the display had patrons completely captivated — with the perfect photo ops.

Candy canes and small tokens were gifted to each child upon entry as organisers ensured the children had the most memorable experience.

The display of lights may have been the main attraction, but it was not the only thing keeping families occupied throughout the night. The kiddies’ village was punctuated with rides and other fun family activities. The area was a hit as parents gave into the spirit of indulgence, some embracing their inner child as they were seen jumping in bounce houses or enjoying train rides around the compound.

Sandra, a grandmother of five, told the Jamaica Observer that the moment she heard about Zoo Lights she knew it would be the perfect spot to spend some quality time with her grandchildren.

“I read in the papers that this was happening and I thought it was the best chance to take all five of my grandkids out for an evening of fun,” she said. “They’re absolutely loving every minute of being here. From the rides to the spectacular lights, I’m soaking up all the memories. It was nice to see that, after all Jamaica has been through these past few weeks, that we could hold on to what truly matters this time of year, making Christmas memorable for the little ones.”

Marketing and events manager of Hope Zoo Preservation Foundation Patrice Levy said creating a space for families to indulge in all things Christmas was the main goal behind Zoo Lights. She said that, based on the turnout, but most importantly, the smiles plastered across the faces of patrons as they enjoyed the display, the event was a huge success.

“We began setting up in November, and when our pre-sold tickets hit the market we received overwhelming support,” she said. “We are very grateful for that because 100 per cent of the funds raised from our event go towards keeping the zoo operational, including providing support for our local wildlife conservation, and so we can’t thank the public enough.”

Levy went on to share that the support for the demand for Zoo Lights was so huge her team has decided to extend the viewing until Christmas Eve (December 24) to allow more people to enjoy the experience.

Captivating! (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Welcome! (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Setting sail in lights (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Monique Tenn with daughter Leila-Mei Chin and Johnathan Chin at Zoo Lights at Hope Zoo on Sunday, December 22, 2025. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)