Jack-O'-Lantern Nights
Stone ZooOctober 1 – 31, Thurs. - Sun., 5:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Experience the magic of autumn after dark as Stone Zoo transforms into a glowing wonderland filled with hundreds of illuminated pumpkins, larger-than-life sculptures and family-friendly Halloween fun.
🎟️ Purchase Tickets: Non-Member | Member
As you wander Stone Zoo's illuminated pathways, discover dazzling carved scenes featuring classic spooky creatures and towering pumpkin sculptures reaching up to 18 feet tall. You'll also find beautifully carved animal displays inspired by species from around the world, including giraffes, rhinos, bison, butterflies and more.
Be sure to capture the memories with photo ops, including a giant pumpkin chair, pumpkin wall, scarecrow display and other festive backdrops. Along the way, enjoy seasonal snacks and beverages available for purchase to sweeten your autumn evening.
Ticket Information
🎟️ Purchase Tickets: Non-Member | Member
Ticket Options:
🎃 Plan-Ahead Pricing: You pick the date and time that works best with your schedule and budget.
🎃 Gate: Tickets can be purchased at the gate, pending availability. However, gate prices are higher, and evenings may sell out—so we recommend purchasing tickets online in advance.
Ticket Info:
- Tickets are required for all guests. Children under age two are free.
- Jack-O'-Lantern Nights tickets do not include daytime admission to the Zoo. Daytime general admission tickets must be purchased separately.
- All ticket sales are final and cannot be moved to other dates. Please make sure you're able to attend your reserved slot at time of purchase. Tickets are transferable and can be used by someone other than the named guest.
- Last entry at 8:30 p.m.
EBT and WIC Tickets
Massachusetts EBT and WIC cardholders receive discounted, $10 admission per ticket for up to four tickets to Jack-O'-Lantern Nights (does not include general, daytime admission). If there are more than four people aged two or older in your group, they will need to buy a full-price ticket. Last entry at 8:30 p.m.
Online Tickets:
To receive the EBT/WIC discount, you will need to verify your eligibility prior to purchasing your tickets. You will be prompted to log into or create an account with ID.Me to verify your identity and EBT/WIC affiliation. For help troubleshooting the Id.me application, please visit the ID.me Help Center.
Gate Tickets:
If purchasing tickets at the gate, please be ready to present your card at the Admissions booth upon arrival. Last entry at 8:30 p.m.
Group Discounts
Gather friends and family for an unforgettable evening of festive fall fun! Purchase tickets at a discounted rate of $14 per person for groups of 20+ guests.
- Tickets are required for all guests. Children under age 2 are admitted free.
- Group reservations are valid only for the date listed on the reservation.
- Payment is due when you arrive for your visit. Please present your group admissions form/invoice at the admissions booth and make payment at that time.
- We are unable to accept purchase orders or provide invoices for payment at a later date.
- All guests must present a valid ticket for entry.
- Group leaders are responsible for distributing tickets to all members of their group
- Refunds for overpayments will not be issued and cannot be applied to future visits.
Host an Event
Private Event Rental
Whether you're planning a corporate outing, team celebration, client event, or social gathering, Jack-O'-Lantern Nights offers a unique setting for bringing your guests together and enjoying all the magic of the season.
Birthday Party Rental
Gather friends and family for an unforgettable evening of festive fall fun, where thousands of glowing pumpkins create a celebration full of magic and memories.
FAQs
General Event Information
Where is Jack-O'-Lantern Nights held?
Zoo New England's Jack-O'-Lantern Nights is held at Stone Zoo, located at 149 Pond Street, Stoneham, MA 02180. Directions to Stone Zoo
When is the last entry?
The last entry for Jack-O'-Lantern Nights ticket buyers is 8:30 p.m. to allow everyone time to enjoy the experience and exit by 9:30 p.m.
Will I see any animals?
No, animals will not be visible during this event. If you're looking to see animals and habitats, we recommend purchasing separate daytime admission tickets. At night, the focus is on the jack-o’-lanterns!
How long does it take to walk through Jack-O'-Lantern Nights?
The one-way loop through the Zoo takes approximately 60 minutes to enjoy. Please note that this event closes at 9:30 p.m. (last entry is at 8:30 p.m.).
Will bathrooms be open?
Yes, bathrooms will be open.
Will the playground and play structures be open?
No, the playground and play structures will not be open during this event.
Are reservations required for entry to the Zoo?
Yes, reservations are required for both members and non-members.
To help manage event capacity and ensure the best availability and pricing, all guests, including members, are strongly encouraged to purchase tickets online in advance. As the event approaches Halloween, some nights may sell out, and admission may be limited based on event capacity and parking availability.
Please have your reserved ticket (printed or on your phone) ready for check-in, and make every effort to arrive during the entry time listed on your ticket.
Please note that Jack-O'-Lantern Nights admission is not included with Zoo New England membership, and members must purchase separate event tickets.
I can't find my pre-purchased tickets in my email.
Use the "order lookup" function in the menu of our ticketing site for access to your tickets. You will need to provide the email address and phone number used during purchase.
Can I stay in the Zoo for Jack-O'-Lantern Nights if I have a daytime ticket for the same day?
No. All daytime guests must exit the Zoo at closing time so we can make our final preparations for opening Jack-O'-Lantern Nights. Guests with Jack-O'-Lantern Nights tickets can enter through the admissions booth at their ticketed time.
Do I need to purchase tickets for my children?
Tickets are required for all guests. Children under age two are free.
What if I make a reservation and I'm unable to attend at the date/time I selected?
All ticket sales are final. Please make sure you are able to attend your reserved slot at the time of purchase. Tickets are transferable and can be used by someone other than the named guest.
I bought the wrong tickets/timeslot. Can this be fixed?
All ticket sales are final. Due to capacity limits, we cannot reschedule or refund tickets. Tickets are transferable and can be used by someone other than the named guest.
After I purchase my reservation and enter the Zoo, will my time be limited or restricted?
Each timed reservation group should have more than enough time to see the lanterns and open exhibits. Pathways are one-way to help with guest flow. Please note, Jack-O'-Lantern Nights closes at 9:30 p.m.
What if I am late for my reserved time slot?
Capacity within time slots is limited. We ask that all guests make every effort to arrive on time.
Can I leave the Zoo and come back in?
There is no re-entry to Jack-O'-Lantern Nights.
Pricing, Discounts & Membership
Will you accept cash as payment?
Cash is accepted at the gate for tickets, pending availability, as well as at all concession and gift shop locations.
Can I apply the price of my Jack-O'-Lantern Nights tickets to a Zoo New England membership?
No, Jack-O'-Lantern Nights tickets are not eligible to be applied toward an annual membership.
Are Reciprocal/Military/Teacher discounts available?
No, Reciprocal/Military/Teacher discounts are not available for Jack-O'-Lantern Nights.
Are library passes or ConnectorCare Cards being honored?
No, library passes and ConnectorCare Cards are not honored for Jack-O'-Lantern Nights. Guests who would like to visit during the day may use these passes and cards.
Weather & Cancellations
Are you open if it's raining?
Yes! All tickets are rain-or-shine, and we don't offer refunds, rainchecks or rescheduling. We encourage you to dress accordingly, or check out our gift shop for rain gear during your visit. In the event of severe weather, updates will be made here on our website and on social media.
If the Zoo has an emergency closure due to severe weather or other unforeseen circumstances, ticket holders for that evening will be immediately refunded and contacted at the e-mail address used to make the ticket purchase. Please allow 3-5 business days for your refund to be reflected in your account. If you have any questions, you can reach us at ZNEMembership@zoonewengland.org.
Getting Here & Parking
Is parking available?
Yes. Parking is free, and there is a parking lot directly in front of the Zoo. View Stone Zoo map
Food & Amenities
Will food be available for purchase?
Food and snacks are available for purchase at concession locations throughout the zoo
Can I bring in food?
Yes, you are welcome to bring in your own food.
Are coolers allowed in the Zoo?
No, coolers are not allowed in the Zoo at this time.
Will strollers or wheelchairs be available for rental?
Yes, strollers and wheelchairs are available to rent. To reserve a wheelchair, please contact us at 617-989-2076, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wheelchair reservations should be made at least a day in advance.
Rules & Guest Conduct
Can I fly a drone in the Zoo?
For the safety of our animals, drones are not allowed on Zoo grounds.
Can I bring my pet?
Pets are not permitted on Zoo grounds to protect the health and safety of both our animals and your pets. Service dogs that are trained to perform specific tasks are welcome. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, a service animal is defined as a dog trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability.
Can I take photographs?
While guests are welcome to take photos of the jack-o'-lantern displays, please be mindful of visitors around you and do not block the pathways. Please do not bring camera equipment that requires extensive set-up time and/or will block pathways and space for other guests, or disrupt the pathway flow. Drones are not permitted on Zoo grounds without prior permission from Zoo New England.
Can I smoke in the Zoo?
Smoking and vaping within our Zoo is prohibited. Check with the Admissions booth for the closest permissible location.
Can I wear a costume?
For safety and family-friendly fun, costumes must:
- Be appropriate for all ages
- Avoid large inflatable suits
- Not completely cover the head
- Avoid full-body animal costumes that could be mistaken for event staff or vendors
