ASHEBORO, N.C. (ACME NEWS) — At the North Carolina Zoo, November marks the start of the off-peak season. While some attractions close and hours are reduced, visitors can also enjoy lower admission prices, smaller crowds, and unique seasonal events.
Beginning November 1, the Zoo transitions to its off-peak hours for fall and winter, closing one hour earlier at 4 p.m., with last entry and ticket sales ending at 3 p.m. Seasonal attractions such as the Carousel, Acacia Station Giraffe Deck, Air Hike Ropes Course, and Zoofari will wrap up for the year on November 15.
The following day, Nov 16, the Zoo will introduce reduced admission rates for the first time as part of the Zoo’s new off-peak pricing model announced earlier this year. From Nov 15 through Mar 14, adult admission will be $5 cheaper with tickets costing $15 on-site or $14 online, while seniors, college students, and military members will pay $13 on-site or $12 online. Children ages 3 to 12 are $11 on-site and $10 online, and children under 3 remain free. The new pricing model also introduced discounts for college students that started this year.
Even with shorter days and fewer attractions, fall and winter remain some of the best times to visit the Zoo — offering smaller crowds, cooler weather, and seasonal events that provide a new way to experience North Carolina’s wildest destination.
Seasonal Events
Beloved Pet Ofrenda (Nov 1–8)
Join the North Carolina Zoo for Beloved Pet Ofrenda, a heartfelt celebration inspired by DÃa de los Muertos to honor beloved pets who have passed on. Create and decorate photo frames, participate in crafts, and contribute to the community Ofrenda altar in remembrance of your cherished companions. The event takes place November 1–8, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the North America Plaza and is free with Zoo admission.Â
Pumpkin Palooza (Nov 8–9)
Celebrate fall at the Zoo’s annual Pumpkin Palooza, a favorite tradition where animals receive pumpkins for enrichment. Watch as they stomp, crush, and munch their way through the tasty gourds across various habitats. Included with general admission.Â
Feeding Schedule
Saturday, Nov. 8
- 9:30 – Giraffe (Africa)
- 9:30 – Baboon (Africa)
- 10:00 – Black Bear (North America)
- 11:00 – Grizzly Bear (North America)
- 1:30 – Red River Hog (Africa)
- 1:30 – Arctic Foxes (North America)
- 2:00 – Polar Bear (North America)
- 3:00 – Grasslands (Africa)
Sunday, Nov. 9
- 10:00 – Cougar (North America)
- 11:00 – Elephant South (Africa)
- 11:00 – Prairie (North America)
- 11:15 – Sand Cat (North America)
- 11:35 – Ocelot (North America)
- 1:30 – Lemur (Africa)
- 2:00 – North American River Otter (North America)
- 2:00 – Chimpanzee (Africa)
- 3:00 – Bobcat (North America)
Military Appreciation Week (Nov 8–14)
In gratitude for the service and sacrifice of our military personnel, the North Carolina Zoo is offering free admission to active-duty members, veterans, and their spouses—plus up to three additional guests—during Military Appreciation Week, November 8–14, 2025. To redeem, visit the Military Appreciation Table at the admissions booths and present a valid form of military ID such as a U.S. Veterans ID, Military ID, DD-214 with photo ID, state driver’s license with veteran indicator, or an ID issued by the VA, VFW, or American Legion. This offer is available on-site only and provides free admission for up to four people per ID (including the ID holder). We salute our heroes—thank you for your service!
Quiet Day at the NC Zoo (Tuesday, Nov 18)
The North Carolina Zoo’s Quiet Days offer a relaxed, sensory-friendly environment for guests who prefer a peaceful visit. On these special days, there are no large group reservations or field trips, and background music and announcements are turned off. Sensory bags are available free of charge from Guest Services or Kidzone, with designated quiet zones and sensory play experiences at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. providing additional comfort. (Please note that construction on the upcoming Asia section may cause occasional background noise; Sundays are typically quieter.)
Jingle in the Jungle (Dec 15–19)
Celebrate the Season of Giving – Spread holiday cheer at the North Carolina Zoo’s Jingle in the Jungle event! Enjoy $5 general admission all week long as a special thank-you to the community. Tickets are available in-person only, with no online reservations or additional discounts. The event runs December 15–19, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and guests should enter through the North America Ticket Booths (the Africa entrance will be closed for the winter). Admission is just $5 per person, and the Zoo will be closed on Christmas Day (Dec. 25).
Upcominng Zoo Closures
Desert Dome (Nov. 3–7)
The Desert Dome in the North America region will be closed for maintenance from November 3 through November 7.
Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 27)
The North Carolina Zoo will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, one of only two holidays the Zoo observes each year. It will reopen the following day with regular hours.
Christmas Day (Dec. 25)
The Zoo will also be closed on Christmas Day so staff and animals can enjoy a quiet holiday. Regular hours will resume on December 26.
Park Maintenance (Jan. 12-16 2026)
From January 12–16, 2026, the North Carolina Zoo and all Zoo hiking trails will be closed for annual maintenance and staff training.
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