We designed, staffed and produced one of Tampa’s most beloved holiday traditions, Christmas in the Wild. The event provided an all-ages experience with seven distinctly-themed areas, each with a unique spotlight on holiday cheer. Designed as an outdoor seasonal adventure, the event featured twinkling lights, delectable holiday treats, amazing wildlife, and jolly family adventures.

approach

With COVID safety in mind, we wanted to design an event that included all the holiday favorites guests had come to love, while ensuring a safe environment for all. Celebrating the zoo’s existing thematic zones, we focused on holiday overlays and new holiday experiences, relying heavily on lighting, live entertainment, and life-sized puppets to create unique encounters.

solution

An all-ages immersive holiday experience with seven distinctly-themed areas, each with its own flavor of holiday cheer.

Forest of Fantasy: sparkling spectacle showcase with a queen of ice and snow in a snowstorm at the zoo’s Manatee Circle, set to an original score
Christmas Market: European marketplace with German food and merchandise, along with an opportunity to meet Mrs. Claus and participate in cookie decorating
Holiday Kaleidoscope: walk-thru experience with projection mapping, lighting and sound that change and depict animals, worldwide holiday celebrations and messages of hope
Illuminate: a safe opportunity to see Santa Claus as he greeted guests with one of his reindeer in the zoo’s Africa in a safari truck
Caribbean Christmas: an opportunity for guests to enjoy a tree-piece steel drum band with festive drinks and food
Felices Días Festivos: a path featuring the sights and sounds of Latin culture
Ice Tunnel: explore the icy beauty of this frozen wonderland

solution

An all-ages immersive holiday experience with seven distinctly-themed areas, each with its own flavor of holiday cheer.

Forest of Fantasy: sparkling spectacle showcase with a queen of ice and snow in a snowstorm at the zoo’s Manatee Circle, set to an original score
Christmas Market: European marketplace with German food and merchandise, along with an opportunity to meet Mrs. Claus and participate in cookie decorating
Holiday Kaleidoscope: walk-thru experience with projection mapping, lighting and sound that change and depict animals, worldwide holiday celebrations and messages of hope
Illuminate: a safe opportunity to see Santa Claus as he greeted guests with one of his reindeer in the zoo’s Africa in a safari truck
Caribbean Christmas: an opportunity for guests to enjoy a tree-piece steel drum band with festive drinks and food
Felices Días Festivos: a path featuring the sights and sounds of Latin culture
Ice Tunnel: explore the icy beauty of this frozen wonderland

unique features

Seven distinct themed story and color zones, each immersing guests with unique overlays
Interactive culinary-based show, Christmas Cookies with Mrs. Claus, where guests participated in cookie decorating
Christmas spectacle, featuring a large-scale lighting package, projection mapping, and an original score

Christmas in the Wild

making WILD WONDER happen

Project Type: Seasonal Event

Client: ZooTampa at Lowry Park

Location: Tampa, FL

Wealth of knowledge

challenge

challenge

approach

solution

solution

unique features

scope

results

attendance

revenue

expansion