Franklin Park Zoo

Turn up the heat and escape to the tropics this winter! Transport your guests to the always-balmy Tropical Forest, where exotic species like western lowland gorillas, sloths and pygmy hippos are the life of the party. 

Rental fee: $5,500
Zoo members and non-profit groups receive 10% discount off of the venue rental.

Rental includes:

• Your four-hour rental starts once the Zoo closes (4:30-8:30 p.m., 5:00-9:00 p.m. or 5:30-9:30 p.m.)
• Use of the Tropical Forest Building with a cocktail style set up with eight round cocktail tables and linens for up to 300 guests along with use of the Tropical Forest Classroom with seating for up to 70 guests
• Security guard
• Setup and cleanup crew
• Free parking

Add-ons:

• Photo booth: $1000 for 4 hours
• Face painters, caricature artists and/or costumed characters:: $200/hour per each
• Animal encounters with our education team (10 - 15 minutes/encounter)
• Catering and/or Bar Service by Sodexo Live!, the Zoo’s Exclusive Caterer (catering and/or bar service is a separate charge and is billed directly by Sodexo Live!)

Contact Us

For more information, contact the Events & Celebrations department:

Zoo New England
1 Franklin Park Zoo
Boston, MA 02121
Phone: 617-989-2009
Fax: 617-989-2025
Email: rentals@zoonewengland.org

November - January 

Host your holiday gathering in the Holiday Pavilion at Stone Zoo’s ZooLights, where guests can mix, mingle and be merry amid a wonderland of lights.

Whether you’re meeting up with friends or family, celebrating a birthday, planning a proposal, or throwing an ugly sweater party, the Holiday Pavilion offers the perfect private, outdoor spot to make your night shine. Warm up with hot cocoa, relax by the fire, and enjoy your own cozy space.

Available for rent by the hour or for the entire evening, the pavilion sits at the heart of ZooLights with private access, fire pits and twinkling lights—perfect for an unforgettable night under a ceiling of holiday lights and stars.

Rental includes:

• Private gathering space
• Heating towers
• Fire pits
• Benches with festive covers
• Easy access to and from Zoolights

Rental rate:

$200/hour with a minimum rental of one hour. Following the minimum rental of one hour, the Holiday Pavilion may be rented in additional 30- or 60-minute increments. Pavilion will be available for the duration of Zoolights. 

Zoo members and non-profit groups receive 10% discount off of the venue rental.

November - January 

Host your holiday gathering in the Holiday Pavilion at Stone Zoo’s ZooLights, where guests can mix, mingle and be merry amid a wonderland of lights.

Whether you’re meeting up with friends or family, celebrating a birthday, planning a proposal, or throwing an ugly sweater party, the Holiday Pavilion offers the perfect private, outdoor spot to make your night shine. Warm up with hot cocoa, relax by the fire, and enjoy your own cozy space.

Available for rent by the hour or for the entire evening, the pavilion sits at the heart of ZooLights with private access, fire pits and twinkling lights—perfect for an unforgettable night under a ceiling of holiday lights and stars.

Rental includes:

• Private gathering space
• Heating towers
• Fire pits
• Benches with festive covers
• Easy access to and from Zoolights

Rental rate:

$200/hour with a minimum rental of one hour. Following the minimum rental of one hour, the Holiday Pavilion may be rented in additional 30- or 60-minute increments. Pavilion will be available for the duration of Zoolights. 

ZooLights Admission:

Zoolights admission tickets must be purchased for all guests. Zoolights tickets can be purchased online. Children under 2 are free

Make a Reservation:

To book the Holiday Pavilion or to learn about optional additions to your gathering proposal or birthday party, please reach out to us at rentals@zoonewengland.org.