toronto zoo drive thru

Here's what you need to know about the Toronto Zoo's new holiday drive-thru

While Toronto is now in lockdown and many of the city's businesses and attractions have been forced to shutter, there are still a number of drive-thrus residents can experience from the comfort and safety of their car. 

The Toronto Zoo is one such attraction that's had to close until further notice as a result of the lockdown, but they'll instead be opening a brand new holiday drive-thru this weekend. 

The Toronto Zoo Holiday Drive-Thru is a family-friendly and COVID-safe experience that will allow Toronto residents to appreciate the beauty of winter at the zoo as they drive along a special holiday route. 

The roughly 20-minute drive will take people past the 35-foot-tall  Christmas tree and the new Holiday Marketplace, and families can even have a drive-by visit with Santa. Until Dec. 10, children can also bring a letter for Santa and hand it over through a COVID-safe drop-off. 

Vehicles can then continue on through the zoo to see Santa's cottage, where some of his reindeer (caribou) reside, and the Enrichment Toy Workshop, where visitors can watch some of the "Toronto Zoo Elves" making toys for the animals.

"Along the way, we will be accepting donations of non-perishable food items and toys for families in need," reads the announcement from the Toronto Zoo. 

"We encourage you to bring items and show the holiday spirit by helping out those in your community! Food donations will be going to Second Harvest and toy donations will be going to the Toronto Firefighters Toy Drive."

The holiday drive-thru opens to the public on Nov. 28 and runs until Dec. 21, and Torontonians can book slots between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. in advance.

Tickets for the experience cost $20 per car for members and $25 for non-members, and all revenue collected from the experience will goes towards operating costs and care of the animals.

"The Toronto Zoo is a not-for-profit organization that works towards connecting people, animals and conservation science to fight extinction," says the zoo.

"Join us this holiday season to experience the beauty of the Zoo in winter and celebrate in a safe and fun way!"

Lead photo by

The Toronto Zoo


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in City

What's open and closed on Victoria Day 2024 in Toronto

The breathtaking Mast Trail in Toronto follows a 200-year-old logging route

Moore Park Ravine is an escape from the city in midtown Toronto

The history of what was once Toronto's grandest mansion

This is how Toronto celebrated Victoria Day over 100 years ago

You can take in breathtaking valley views along the Vista Rouge Trail in Toronto

Downsview Park in Toronto is a massive urban park around an artificial lake

Canada is seeing one of the worst standard-of-living declines in 40 years