The jolly old elf himself will visit with guests and every good little girl and boy will receive a holiday gift.  Souvenir photos with the big man in the red suit will be available for $5.  The family-friendly event also features costumed characters, arts and crafts, and holiday movies in the Wildlife Interpretive Gallery Theater. 

Seating is limited and advance reservations are necessary by calling (248) 541-5717, ext. 3750.  The cost, which includes Zoo admission and parking, is $35 for adults and $30 for children 12 and under.  The cost for Detroit Zoological Society members is $25 for adults and $20 for children 12 and under.  Tickets must be purchased for children 2 and under. 

After breakfast, visitors can work off their waffles with a stroll through the Zoo to see the animals frolicking in the crisp December weather.  The Japanese macaques, or snow monkeys, can often be spotted enjoying their outdoor hot tub in the winter months.  The tigers, wolverines, red pandas, Asian wild horses, elk and bison also adapt well to colder temperatures and become more active.
 
A popular attraction any time of year is the Arctic Ring of Life with its 70-foot Frederick and Barbara Erb Polar Passage providing spectacular views of swimming polar bears and seals.  When it’s time to warm up, visitors can head back to the Butterfly Garden where the temperature is always a balmy 75 degrees and enjoy over 40 species of butterflies as well as the habitat’s newest residents, five Peruvian hummingbirds.

The Detroit Zoological Society is a non-profit organization that operates the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Zoo.  Situated on 125 acres of naturalistic exhibits, the Detroit Zoo is located at the intersection of Ten Mile Road and Woodward Avenue, just off I-696, in Royal Oak.  The Detroit Zoo is open daily 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. November through March and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April through October.  Admission is $11.00 for adults 13 to 61, $9.00 for senior citizens 62 and older, and $7.00 for children ages 2 to 12; children under 2 are free.  For more information, call (248) 541-5717 or visit www.detroitzoo.org.  The Belle Isle Nature Zoo is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. year-round and provides educational programming with interpretive staff support from the Huron-Clinton Metroparks.  For more information, call (313) 852-4056.