Christmas in July

As the zoo transforms into a winter wonderland under the summer sun, guests can enjoy a week packed with holiday cheer, Christmas-themed activities, and surprises around every corner, including visits from the Grinch, Santa Claus himself, and festive fun for all ages.
Free Child Admission to Winter Wonderland
Throughout the Christmas in July celebration, guests will receive a special discount to Winter Wonderland with the purchase of a paid adult admission. Limit one per family, distributed upon zoo entry.
Merry Grinchmas Weekend: July 18 & 19
The Grinch takes center stage as our featured holiday character, with Meet & Greets from 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Guests can also enjoy:
- Christmas-themed inflatable games
- A holiday scavenger hunt: look for the Christmas tree signs with questions posted throughout the zoo
- Holiday photo opportunities
- Festive decorations and holiday music throughout the park
- Roaming holiday performers
- The Mane Attraction Crew performing selections from Frozen and hosting Meet & Greets at the Zoo Crew Stage, approximately 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Scavenger hunt sheets can be picked up and returned at the Rentals Building.
Dinner with the Grinch at Galliford’s: July 22 & 23
Join us Wednesday and Thursday evening at Galliford’s for our special Dinner with the Grinch events. Make sure to call (508) 928-0928 to make a reservation!
Weekday Holiday Fun: July 20–24
The holiday spirit continues all week long with:
- Holiday scavenger hunt
- Coloring station
- Inflatable games
Christmas in July Finale: July 25 & 26
We’re closing out the celebration with our biggest weekend yet. In addition to visits from the Grinch, Santa Claus will be available for Meet & Greets from 11:15 AM – 3:45 PM on both Saturday and Sunday near the Rentals Building. All of the previous weekend’s activities, entertainment, and roaming performers return for one last hurrah.
Make a Day of It
Whether you’re a die-hard Christmas fan or just looking for a unique summer adventure, Christmas in July is the perfect way to beat the heat with some holiday spirit.
While enjoying the festivities, take time to explore New England’s largest zoo and discover more than 900 animals from around the world. From scenic walking paths to fascinating wildlife exhibits, Christmas in July makes for a memorable day for families, friends, and animal lovers alike.
Be sure to visit our Plan Your Visit page to see all there is to explore during your day at Southwick’s Zoo.