Zoo dazzles visitors with glowing lanterns in Let It Glow holiday spectacular

PARAMUS, NJ – The Bergen County Zoo is lighting up the season once again with Let It Glow: A Holiday Lantern Spectacular, a breathtaking display of more than 30 larger-than-life illuminated scenes transforming Van Saun County Park into a glowing fantasyland.

The event runs Thursday through Sunday nights from November 6 through January 11, 2026, turning the zoo into a radiant trail of color and creativity.

Visitors can stroll among hand-crafted lanterns depicting animals both real and imagined, surrounded by a symphony of vivid lights and festive ambiance.


Key Points

  • Let It Glow runs Thursday–Sunday, November 6 through January 11, 2026.
  • Features more than 30 massive glowing lantern displays throughout the Bergen County Zoo.
  • Tickets are available on Eventbrite.

A walk through wonder

The Bergen County Zoo’s lantern experience blends art, craftsmanship, and light to create a visual journey through a glowing menagerie. Each illuminated figure, from exotic creatures to whimsical characters, is hand-made and carefully arranged to immerse guests in a kaleidoscope of color and imagination.

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Families can take their time exploring the pathways lined with intricate lanterns, each scene brighter and more detailed than the last. Organizers say that while photos capture some of the magic, the true spectacle must be seen in person to be fully appreciated.

Lighting up the holidays in Bergen County

Now in its latest season, Let It Glow has become a North Jersey holiday tradition, drawing visitors from across the region for its blend of artistry and festive spirit. Whether it’s for family photos, romantic walks, or a unique night out, the glowing zoo setting offers a winter escape unlike any other.

Tickets for Let It Glow: A Holiday Lantern Spectacular are available through Eventbrite, with advance purchase recommended due to high demand during peak weekends.


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