Roger Williams Park Zoo is a very merry place this holiday season, full of holiday happenings for the whole family to enjoy.

The fun will officially kickoff on Saturday, November 26 at approximately 9:30 a.m. when the Jolly Old Elf himself arrives for the first of several appearances at the Zoo. Santa has made special arrangements with the Providence Fire Department to arrive in the Zoo's parking lot. The Very Merry Dickens Carolers will provide seasonal entertainment until Santa arrives.
He'll then board a holiday golf cart provided by Monster Mini Golf for a festive parade through the Zoo, which will include appearances by his elves, the carolers, Miss Teen Rhode Island, Miss Rhode Island, Mrs. Rhode Island, Characters from Ten31 Productions, costumed characters from many classic children's stories and more. The parade will end at the Zoo's Jambo Junction with a carol with Santa.

After the parade, guests will enjoy holiday photo opportunities with participants from our parade from 10:30am-11:30am, and visit the animals around the Zoo.
Santa's arrival is located in the Zoo parking lot and is free to the public. The parade and photo opportunity will be inside the Zoo, free with Zoo admission. Admission booths will open early, at 8:30 a.m., to help expedite ticket purchases in advance of the parade.
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Also on the 26th, in a partnership with Cardi's Furniture, the Zoo will collect toys for children in need. Zoo guests are invited to bring new, unwrapped gifts to place into the Toys for Tots collection bin.

For families looking for a more personal experience with Santa, the Zoo is also hosting Visits with Santa on November 26 and 27, and December 3 and 4 when guests can enjoy a special photo opportunity with Santa. The Visits will take place from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Preregistration is required and includes admission to the Zoo for the day, a larger than life interactive Ginger Bread House and an edible craft activity for each child. Seating is limited and tickets must be purchased in advance. Call 401-785-3510 x343 or visit www.rwpzoo.org for pricing and to purchase tickets. The Zoo will also be accepting donations to Toys for Tots at each Visit with Santa.

For more information, visit www.rwpzoo.org or call 401-785-3510. Roger Williams Park Zoo is open daily, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day). Regular Zoo admission is $12 for adults, $6 for children (ages 3 - 12) and $8 for seniors (ages 62+); children under 3 and Zoo members get in free.

Roger Williams Park Zoo, one of the oldest in the nation, is Rhode Island's number one outdoor family and tourist attraction, and is also a
leader in conservation efforts undertaken by a zoo of its size. The Zoo has received numerous awards for environmental education, and
conservation work done locally and around the world, caring for species that without human intervention would face certain extinction.
Roger Williams Park Zoo is supported and managed by the Rhode Island Zoological Society and is owned by the City of Providence.

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