Summerfield Zoo is hosting its annual “Christmas Town” From Nov. 13 to Dec. 30. at 3088 Flora Road, Belvidere, IL, 61008 that can still be safely enjoyed by the whole family.
Christmas town is a fun and socially distant way to spend the holidays. It’s only open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays and has additional openings on Dec. 21, 22, and 23. The hours of operation are listed below:
Fridays 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturdays and Sundays 10:00 a.m to 6:00 p.m.
Additional Dates 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m
Due to COVID-19 safety precautions, there are limited tickets available each day. Summerfield recommends purchasing tickets ahead of time through their website.
They also recommend you print your receipt but if you forget they also have your name at the gate. Tickets cost $12 per person and kids ages one and under are free.
At Christmas Town, you can: Visit Santa’s Reindeer Barn, watch the Baby Reindeer Flight School, meet Santa Clause, and even earn your official Stable Elf Diploma!
Santa has a busy schedule so he is only available Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. To keep kids and Santa safe, children can tell Santa their wish list from a safe distance.
Missus Clause is also available to talk and take pictures with. You can purchase cookies, hot chocolate, and more from Missus Clauses Kitchen which is right next to Santa’s hut. She also manages the Reindeer Barn and gives out Stable Elf Diplomas that kids can earn.
The Reindeer Barn is where all of Santa’s reindeer live. Each person is given a graham cracker to give out to their favorite reindeer. You are free to pet and take pictures of any reindeer—even the babies!
Tracy Freier said, “This is my first time here and it was really cool to see everything… I didn’t expect to see the exotic animals too. I really didn’t expect the hyena”.
Beyond Christmas Town, you can also see some of the exotic animal exhibits at Summerfield Zoo. The main barn is closed but the outside exhibits are still open for viewing. Of course, it is up to the animals if they want to leave their warm huts to come to see you, but you are still able to visit them.
Many animals at Summerfield Zoo are rescued from the Northern Illinois area. By visiting, donating, and purchasing from their gift shop you help support the care of their animals and the education they provide to the community.