The holidays are right around the corner and the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Central Park Zoo is celebrating the season with Winterfest – a holiday celebration that includes special performances, holiday lighting displays, and presents for the animals.
 
During the first three Fridays and Saturdays in December 2011 (Dec. 2-3, 9-10, 16-17), the zoo will stay open until 6:30 p.m. inviting visitors to stroll through the zoo and enjoy thousands of white lights, theater performances, and more.
 
Lights and festive greenery line the pathways to winter-themed activities. At Winterfest, the polar bear and penguins will receive presents filled with their favorite treats including fish-sickles and fruits. Animal keepers and zoo guides will be available to talk to guests about the animals and answer questions.

Polar-themed performances by WCS’s Wildlife Theater and live animal encounters in the Zoo Gallery will headline this year’s Winterfest activities. Families can also make a special winter craft to take home.
 
The Central Park Zoo’s 4-D Theater will be showing The Polar Express™ 4-D Experience, based on the film from Warner Bros. Pictures and Shangri-La Entertainment and Planet Earth: Ice Worlds 4D Experience from BBC Earth.
 
For a break from the chilly air, the Central Park Zoo’s Tropic Zone is a steamy 80 degrees all year long. Home to tropical birds, lemurs, and more, it is the perfect place to take a break from the cold.
 
The Dancing Crane Café will be serving holiday treats, hot chocolate, and other festive fare. The Zootique will be offering holiday discounts and is the perfect place to find wild gifts.

Photo: Julie Larsen Maher ©WCS

Schedule:
 
2-6 p.m. - Wildlife Theater performances on the hour in the Zoo Gallery
 
2:30-5:30 - Live Animal Encounters on the half hour in the Zoo Gallery
 
2-6:30 p.m. - Crafts in the Zoo Theater Classroom
 
3:15 p.m. - Presents to the penguins
 
5:30 - Presents to the polar bear
 
Special Performances and Meet and Greet:
 
December 10 – If You Really Love Polar Bears – performance by Making Books Sing. 2 and 3 p.m. in the Zoo Gallery
 
Dec. 18 –  Sprout TV – Super Why and Character appearances at 2:00 in the Zoo Gallery.
 
For further information,  call 212-439-6500 or visit www.centralparkzoo.com.