Advent at Schmiding Zoo – winter magic with the animals for the whole family
Encounters with wildlife, a crackling campfire and a touch of Christmas magic
At Schmiding Zoo, the Advent season is a special experience for young and old alike. Discover fascinating animals from all over the world, warm up in a tropical setting and enjoy cosy moments with Christmas stories and winter treats. Whether it’s a family day out, a visit from St Nicholas or the traditional Perchten parade – an Advent season full of discoveries, big and small, awaits you here.
Winter adventures with animals – indoors and outdoors
Even in the colder months, there’s plenty to discover at Schmiding Zoo. Visit the baby tapir, watch the gorillas, or meet giraffes, rhinos and many other fascinating zoo inhabitants.
When it gets cold outside, the journey of discovery continues indoors: in the Tropical House, exotic animals and lush plants await you in a pleasantly warm environment. At the Aquazoo, you can immerse yourself in fascinating underwater worlds with sharks, jellyfish and numerous other marine creatures. The exciting shark feedings are a special experience.
Meet the Keeper – up close with the animals
What is a zookeeper’s day like? What do giraffes eat, and what are the distinctive features of the different animal species? At the ‘Meet the Keeper’ sessions, you’ll hear fascinating stories about everyday life at the zoo and have the chance to ask the zookeepers your questions.
A special highlight: on selected dates, you can help feed the giraffes alongside an animal keeper and get up close to these impressive animals.
Special highlights during Advent
Advent magic by the campfire
As the days grow shorter, Schmiding Zoo becomes a particularly cosy place. On all four Advent weekends, Christmas stories, a crackling campfire and toasting marshmallows together invite you to linger.
At the Zum Roten Panda restaurant, you can round off your visit to the zoo in an atmospheric setting and enjoy the build-up to Christmas with your loved ones.
Dates for 2026: 28 and 29 November, 5 and 6 December, 12 and 13 December, and 19 and 20 December – from 4.00 pm on each day.
St Nicholas is coming to the zoo – 6 December
On the second Sunday of Advent, a special surprise awaits our young zoo visitors: St Nicholas is coming to visit! A lovely moment for the whole family, sure to make children’s eyes light up and fill them with Christmas excitement.
Anyone who’d like to can pre-order a lovingly filled St Nicholas bag. Further information is available directly at the Restaurant zum Roten Panda.
Traditional Perchten Parade – 19 December
Mystical figures, striking masks and living traditions: on 19 December, the Perchten will parade through Schmiding Zoo as part of the traditional Perchten parade, creating a truly special Advent experience.
Starts at 4.30 pm at the Restaurant zum Roten Panda.
Winter delights at the Restaurant zum Roten Panda
What could be better than warming up with a hot treat after a winter stroll around the zoo? During the Advent season, the Zum Roten Panda restaurant has warming drinks, sweet specialities and winter treats in store for you.
You can look forward to special crêpe variations and fruit with hot sauce, amongst other things – perfect for a little treat in between.
A delightful start to the New Year – New Year’s brunch
Even after the Christmas holidays, there’s a special occasion to look forward to at Schmiding Zoo: on 10 January 2027, the New Year’s Brunch invites you to enjoy a cosy time and a delightful start to the new year.
Advance booking is required. Further information is available directly from Schmiding Zoo.
| Date | Event | Start |
|---|---|---|
| 28–29 November 2026 | Stories & Campfire | 4.00 pm |
| 5–6 December 2026 | Stories & campfire | 4.00 pm |
| 6 December 2026 | Visit from St Nicholas | Not specified |
| 12–13 December 2026 | Stories & campfire | 4.00 pm |
| 19–20 December 2026 | Stories & Campfire | 4.00 pm |
| 19 December 2026 | Perchten parade | 4.30 pm |
| 10 January 2027 | New Year’s Brunch | Booking required |