Zoos provide wonderful ways to indulge your love of animals, get outside, and learn about the fascinating world of nature. Going around the holidays is especially great, which is probably why December 27 is National Visit the Zoo Day. During this season, zookeepers often enhance your visit and animal enrichment with awesome extras. Check out some awesome holiday experiences at some top U.S. zoos.

Honolulu Zoo

The Honolulu Zoo has its annual Christmas with the Animals and Happy ZOO Year. It is included with regular paid admission, and guests get to see a variety of animals open fun enrichment gifts.  Visitors will also be able to interact with and learn about the animals through specialized Sensation Stations, crafts, entertainment, and Keiki activities in their domestic petting zoo.

San Diego Zoo

As one of the top zoos in the country, San Diego Zoo does not disappoint for the holidays. Its Jungle Bells event generally runs through most of December and delights visitors year after year. Spectacular light and music shows, delicious Holiday foods, Santa visits, and fantastic animal photo opportunities are just a small portion of this grand event. 

Denver Zoo

If you are ever near Denver, CO around the holidays, then you should definitely make time for the Zoo Lights. During this event, the Denver Zoo adds 2 million LED Christmas lights all over its grounds to make a truly spectacular display. Nightly ice-carving demonstrations and cold-weather animal viewings also enhance this experience. They even provide exciting adult cocktails and tasty treats for all ages.

Indianapolis Zoo

As one of the original holiday zoo lights events in the country, Christmas at the Zoo continues to be one of the grandest zoo experiences around. Head over to Santa's Village to visit Santa, sample Mrs. Claus's goodies, and view Santa's reindeer. You can also walk through the dazzling light display, hear some spectacular caroling, and possibly interact with some lovable penguins. 

Cincinnati Zoo

The Festival of Lights put on by the renowned Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is another fantastic occasion. It includes over 4 million lights and lots of live entertainment. It is great for kids and adults alike, thanks to opportunities to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, fairies in Fiona's Fairyland, life-size animal lantern displays, magical train rides, and more.

Holiday zoo events are fun and great opportunities to learn about the amazing world of animals. Almost every zoo puts on some kind of special holiday event for you to enjoy. Look into your local zoo today and contact the Pet Hospitals of Hawaii to learn about the importance of visiting the zoo for the holidays, National Visit the Zoo Day, and any time of year.