NORFOLK, Va. — Families visiting the Virginia Zoo in Norfolk later this month can enjoy holiday fun for all ages, including hopping on a festive train ride and a party to ring in the new year.
From Dec. 15 to 17, visitors can take a spin on the Virginia Zoo Holiday Express. Included in the ride is a chance to snap a photo with everyone's favorite North Pole resident Santa Claus.
Train rides run between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. that Friday through Sunday as weather permits, with zoo officials saying the train cannot be operated below 45 degrees.
Train tickets are $3 per person and can be purchased at the zoo. Children ages 2 and under ride free.
Then, on Dec. 31, New Year's Eve, the zoo is holding a family-friendly event they've dubbed "Noon Year's Eve." From 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., kids can join in on a dance party, have a sparkling juice "toast" and experience a ball drop alongside a countdown to noon.
"Noon Year’s Eve is a kid-friendly celebration that allows youngsters to experience all the fun of welcoming a new year while keeping bedtime in mind," according to the zoo's website.
Following the festivities, guests are encouraged to explore the zoo. Tickets for the New Year's festivities can be purchased online here.