Christmas for the Animals + Artisans Bazaar
Christmas for the Animals is a family tradition at the Alaska Zoo dating back to the 1970’s.
Sunday, December 13th, 2026 from 10am-8pm, with Zoo Lights on from 5-8pm. The Artisans Bazaar will be from 12-6pm in the Gateway Hall.
Bring food donations for zoo animals and stuff the large stockings hung at each habitat. Feel free to bring a sled, cart or bag to take your food donations to the habitats of your favorite zoo animals. Volunteers will make rounds to empty stockings and sort food in the commissary.
Stockings will be taken down at 6pm.
Ideas for food donations: Frozen fish and meat (less than 2 years, frozen, sealed, no smoking, no seasoning), Graham Crackers, Jello, Rye Crackers Food Coloring, Dried fruit (not cranberries), Unsalted nuts, Popcorn kernels, Bird Suet, Jelly/Jam/Preserves, Peanut Butter, Honey, Canned whip cream, Dog/cat treats, Dog/cat canned food, Canned pumpkin, Spices (especially cinnamon), Catnip, Perfumes/body spray/cologne.
Ideas for gifts for zoo animals: Gift cards to Lowe’s Home Improvement, Home Depot, Walmart, Fred Meyer, Safeway, Petco, Animal Food Warehouse, Alaska Mill and Feed or any other pet supplier.
Christmas for the Animals and Zoo Lights:
Stuffing stockings with food donations at animal habitats.
Caroling by local groups by bonfire at old admissions.
Kape Espresso Tayo Coffee Shop open for drink and snack purchases.
Storytime in Discovery Center.
Santa photos in Discovery Center.
Petting Zoo (open hours will be posted).
Zoo Gift Shop open for business with fun animal gifts.
Zoo Lights - 5-8pm
Event and Zoo Lights Entry:
Zoo members will have FREE entry to Zoo Lights on this evening (December Monthly Member Appreciation Event!).
Non-members pay general admission rates until 5pm, then Zoo Lights rates for non-member entry after 5pm. It makes sense to become a zoo member! Receive unlimited daytime entry for a year, many perks, discounts and FREE Zoo Lights during this event! Click here to visit our online membership page.
Artisans Bazaar:
We will be hosting an Artisans Bazaar for local artist vendors in our Gateway Hall from 12-6pm during Christmas for the Animals on Sunday, December 13th. Entry to the Bazaar is free and our Gift Shop is located downstairs as well. Shop booth areas to support local artisans and the zoo through purchases in our Gift Shop! Vendors will be listed here as we get closer to the event.
