Saint Nicholas Week at the Zoo
Nov-30
Waiting for St. Nicholas and a Touch of Holiday Magic!
The purpose of the “Waiting for St. Nicholas” week is to nurture generosity and love for animals. On November 30, the festive season begins with the ceremonial opening of the Path of Lights and the lighting of the first Advent candle. From this day on, the Path of Lights will be open daily from 16:00, offering visitors an unforgettable experience throughout the entire winter holiday.
The central message of the week is that giving brings just as much joy as receiving. Children and families can not only bring their letters but also offer small gifts to the animals. Symbolic gifts, drawings, apples, and carrots intended for the animals are all welcome in Santa’s Box. Santa’s mailbox is also ready to collect letters addressed to him.
In Santa’s House, Santa’s helpers will be waiting for the children to assist with writing letters, placing the letters and gifts into their designated spots, taking photos with visitors, and even sharing stories related to St. Nicholas. During the photo sessions, participants will receive one printed photo for free. Throughout the week, children visiting the zoo will also receive small gifts and surprises. A large poster will be placed here as well, where good children can stamp their names so Santa knows they are expecting him.
Detailed schedule and elf presence
- November 30 (Sunday): Official opening, Advent candle lighting, and opening of the Path of Lights.
Santa’s helpers and photo sessions: 15:00–17:00 - December 1 (Monday) – Romania’s National Day:
Santa’s helpers and photo sessions: 13:00–17:00 - December 2–3 (Tuesday–Wednesday):
Santa’s helpers present: 14:00–16:00 - December 4 (Thursday):
Santa’s helpers: 10:00–16:00
Photo sessions: 10:00–17:00 - December 5 (Friday):
Santa’s helpers: 14:00–16:00
Photo sessions: 10:00–17:00
Shoebox Campaign – Donation Point
This year, the Zoo once again serves as a collection point for the Shoebox (Cipősdoboz) Campaign, helping children in need. Anyone who wishes may bring a decorated shoebox filled with non-perishable food, toys, or gifts. We kindly ask donors to label each box with the age group and the gender of the intended child.
Festive Program – December 6
- 13:00: Santa’s official arrival at the Zoo gates, accompanied by elves and animals. After the mayor’s welcome, the procession will head to Santa’s House, where Santa will check the collected stamps and enjoy the festive performances, poems, and songs.
- 14:00: A performance by the Ariel Youth and Children’s Theatre at the Monkey House Amphitheatre.
- After the performance, Santa will begin a symbolic tour of the Zoo to bring gifts to the animals. During the walk, six special feeding sessions will take place:
- in the Monkey House
- in the Tropical House
- at the elephants
- at the deer
- at the peccaries
- and at the meerkats.
Santa will also visit our new arrivals. To impress even Santa himself, the Zoo welcomed more than 100 new animals this autumn, including 10 new species.
New animals arrived from the following countries:
Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Denmark, and several individuals from within Romania.
New species (10 species, 31 individuals):
- beaver – 2
- anaconda (green and yellow) – 2
- spoonbill – 3
- python species (Burmese python, ball python, Children’s python) – 3
- African spurred tortoise – 4
- kookaburra – 1
- lovebird – 10
- tragopan – 1
- roan antelope – 1
- crowned pigeon – 4
New individuals added to existing species (15 species, 78 individuals):
- Alpine ibex – 3
- camel – 2
- spider monkey – 2
- scarlet ibis – 10
- eagle owl – 10
- meerkat – 4
- Patagonian mara – 1
- ring-tailed lemur – 1
- alpaca – 1
- caiman – 1
- fruit bat – 30
- eclectus parrot – 4
- galah cockatoo – 6
- North Chinese leopard – 1
- reindeer – 3
