Philadelphia Zoo reaching new heights with 110-foot Ferris wheel

The Philadelphia Zoo is adding a thrilling new attraction that will surely take you to new heights.

LumiNature, the zoo’s nature-inspired holiday light show, is set to return with the grand opening of the “Philly Zoo Pherris Wheel.”

The 110-foot-tall observation wheel — set to be situated where the former Zoo balloon once stood — will offer breathtaking views of the more than a million twinkling lights that will fill the zoo and jaw-dropping sights of the city’s skyline.

Organizers said this will be the first time in the zoo’s 150-plus-year history that they will have a Ferris wheel on their campus.

Each gondola can fit up to six guests, and the ride lasts about seven minutes. You must be at least 32″ tall to ride, and children must ride with a supervising adult.

The “Pherris Wheel” is not all that is new this year.

Santa’s Lodge, a new cozy indoor space, will offer visitors the chance to meet Old Saint Nick himself, and Jambi’s Solstice Saloon will offer a brand new space to hang out along the river.

Returning favorites to LumiNature include the high-energy Penguin Prismatic show, featuring a 40-foot-tall penguin illuminated by 40,000 lights, and the famous 25-foot-tall pink flamingo tree, crafted entirely from 1,500 lawn ornament flamingos, the enchanted fairy forest and more.

“Winter at the Zoo is different and still a wonderful time to visit,” Philadelphia Zoo President & CEO Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman said in a news release. “This light show is designed for guests of all ages to connect with animals, each other, and the beauty of our planet during the holiday season. We’re really excited to have the addition of the Philly Zoo Pherris Wheel, which will stay at the Zoo through the 250th celebrations in 2026.”

LumiNature opens Thursday, November 20 and is open most nights through Saturday, January 3, 2025. 

For more information and to purchase your tickets today, head to philadelphiazoo.org.