Christmas Event at Kobe Animal Kingdom: Limited Time Night Hours

　On November 18, the “Merry Christmas in the Kingdom” event began at Kobe Animal Kingdom (7 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe; tel 078-302-8899 ), an all-weather facility on Kobe Port Island.

Christmas tree decorated with banyan trees

　This year’s theme was “Snow World” with white as the base color. At the “Christmas Photo Spot,” a banyan tree in the Inside Park “Flower Shower” was decorated to look like a Christmas tree, and visitors can take photos riding on a large sleigh surrounded by rare light orange poinsettias.

　In the outdoor area “Outside Park” next to the Kangaroo Farm, reindeer from the sister park “Nasu Animal Kingdom” will be on display for the Christmas period, and from December 2 to 25, “Greeting Time with Reindeer” will be held on the lawn where visitors can take commemorative photos with reindeer dressed in four different Christmas costumes. The event will also feature a “Greeting Time with Reindeer” on the lawn from December 2nd to 25th. Hours are weekdays from 12:30 to 13:30, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 11:00 to 12:00 and from 14:30 to 15:30. The fee is 300 yen per couple. Limited to the first 30 pairs per session.

　Alpacafe, a café in the Flower Shower, will sell Christmas sweets such as cream puffs in the shape of reindeer (500 yen). The “Love Bird” store in the park will sell Christmas goods.

　On December 24 and 25, “Christmas Nights,” a nighttime event that could not be held due to the new Corona Disaster, will resume for the first time in three years. The “Animal Greeting Time” will be held from 7:00 p.m. only during the nighttime hours. Nearly 10 species of animals, including reindeer, alpaca, meerkat, macaw, macaw, batan, owl, and skunk, as well as the facility’s “Kapie & Barbara” characters will gather together for a photo opportunity. Participation is free.

　Ms. Etsuko Miyamoto, public relations manager, said, “Reindeer live in cold regions such as the Arctic Circle, and it is difficult to keep reindeer year-round in a place like Kobe, so there are not many chances to meet real reindeer. This year’s Christmas season is the longest in our history, so we hope that visitors will enjoy the best Christmas ever with reindeer and smiles on their faces at the end of the year 2022.

　Opening hours and prices can be found on the park’s website.