Santa Claus is coming to the BPZoo! The Buttonwood Park Zoological Society is getting into the holiday spirit with “Cookies, Paws and Santa Claus”, featuring cookie decorating, holiday crafting, meet and greets with our animal ambassadors and a chance to meet the big guy himself in our frozen North Pole.

Cookies, Paws and Santa Claus will be held on Saturday, December 14 and 21 at 10:30 am and again at 1:30 pm. All guests in your party must pre-register. Pricing for the event is $10 for Zoo members and $15 for non-members (Zoo admission is included). Children under the age of 1 are free. Space is limited, so register today at www.bpzoo.org/cookies-paws-and-santa-claus/.

Ready to book your plans for New Year’s Eve but not a fan of staying up too late? Who says you have to wait until midnight to ring in the new year! Grab your party hats and dancing shoes and head to the Zoo for a Noon Year’s Eve celebration! This unique, family-friendly celebration includes a dance party with DJ Danny Levin, encounters with the Zoo’s animal ambassadors and festive activities! Train and carousel rides, weather permitting, are also included. Ring in the New Year at NOON time by toasting with a complement of toast and sparkling apple juice.

The Noon Year’s Eve celebration will be held on Tuesday, December 31 from 10:30 am until 12:30 pm. Pricing is for the whole family (two adults and up to four children) and is $20 for Zoo members and $25 for non-members. This event is sponsored by Hawthorn Medical. For more information or to register, visit www.bpzoo.org/noon-years-eve/.

The Zoo is located at 425 Hawthorn Street in New Bedford and is open from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm, with the last admission at 3:15 pm throughout the winter. Ticket prices for non-New Bedford Residents are $10 for adults/$6 for children 3-12; Ticket prices for New Bedford Residents are $7.50 for adults/$4.50 for children 3-12. For more information about the Zoo’s programs, animals and exhibits, visit www.bpzoo.org.