Event Details

• Date: Sunday, December 13, 2026
• Time: 10am – 8pm
  • Artisans Bazaar: Noon–6pm in Gateway Hall
  • Zoo Lights: 5–8pm
  • Animal Stocking Donations: 10am–6pm
• Location: The Alaska Zoo, Anchorage, Alaska

Shop Hope Studios at the Artisans Bazaar

Looking for meaningful, locally made holiday gifts? Stop by the Artisans Bazaar in the Alaska Zoo's Gateway Hall from noon to 6pm and visit Hope Studios!

Hope Studios will join other local artisans for this festive shopping experience, giving visitors a chance to browse and shop unique, handcrafted artwork. All proceeds will support local artists who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Every purchase from Hope Studios helps celebrate creativity, inclusion, and the talents of the artists who make our work possible. Whether you're shopping for someone special or treating yourself, the Artisans Bazaar is a wonderful way to find thoughtful gifts and support the local arts community.

Give a Gift to Your Favorite Zoo Animals

One of the most cherished traditions of Christmas for the Animals is the opportunity to bring gifts directly to the zoo's animal habitats. Visitors are encouraged to bring food donations and fill the large holiday stockings hanging outside their favorite animals' habitats. Bring a sled, cart, or sturdy bag to help transport your donations as you explore the zoo.

Throughout the day, zoo volunteers will collect donations from the stockings and transport them to the commissary, where the food will be sorted for the animals. Animal stockings will be taken down at 6pm so be sure to deliver your donations before then.

Suggested Food Donations

The Alaska Zoo welcomes a variety of food donations, including:

• Frozen proteins: Fish and meat that are less than two years old, frozen, sealed, and free from smoking or seasoning
• Snacks and treats: Graham crackers, rye crackers, popcorn kernels, and dried fruit (excluding cranberries)
• Nuts and spreads: Unsalted nuts, peanut butter, honey, and jelly, jam, or preserves
• Pantry items: Jell-O, food coloring, canned pumpkin, canned whipped cream, and spices (especially cinnamon)
• Pet supplies: Dog and cat treats, canned dog and cat food, and bird suet
• Enrichment items: Catnip, perfume, body spray, and cologne

Prefer to give a gift card? The Alaska Zoo also welcomes gift cards to retailers and pet suppliers, including Lowe's Home Improvement, Home Depot, Walmart, Fred Meyer, Safeway, Petco, Animal Food Warehouse, Alaska Mill and Feed, and other pet supply stores.

These gifts help the zoo provide food, supplies, and enrichment opportunities for its animals throughout the year.

Experience the Magic of Zoo Lights

As evening falls, stay for Zoo Lights from 5–8pm and enjoy a festive end to your visit. The combination of holiday lights and seasonal celebrations makes Christmas for the Animals a memorable outing for families and visitors of all ages. Spend the day walking through the zoo, supporting the animals, shopping with local artisans, and celebrating the spirit of the season.

We can't wait to see you there!