Starry Night Safari: A Holiday Celebration Among Animals at North Georgia Wildlife & Safari Park

CLEVELAND ZOO FIELD GUIDE

Starry Night Safari: A Holiday Celebration Among Animals at North Georgia Wildlife & Safari Park

A 2.5-hour family-oriented program in Cleveland, Georgia that pairs a Starry Night Safari hayride with Santa and live-animal nativity displays, plus local crafts and animal-made art.

Starry Night Safari: A Holiday Celebration Among Animals at North Georgia Wildlife & Safari Park.

Duration
2.5 Hours
Location
Cleveland
Operator
North Georgia Wildlife & Safari Park
Category
Zoo
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Join a heartwarming Holiday Celebration at North Georgia Wildlife & Safari Park in Cleveland, Georgia, where gratitude and seasonal ritual meet up with close encounters: a Starry Night Safari Hayride, visits with Santa and his animal friends, a live-animal Nativity display, and a holiday festival that includes local crafts and art—some pieces created by the animals themselves.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE EXPERIENCE

Starry Night Safari Hayride

The program centers on a Starry Night Safari Hayride that sets a reflective, family-friendly tone and is one of the primary activities included in the Holiday Celebration.

THE ENCOUNTERS

Santa and Live-Animal Nativity

Visitors meet Santa alongside animal companions and can explore a Nativity display that features live animals, creating a seasonal blend of faith, family, and wildlife.

THE MARKET

Local Crafts and Animal-Created Art

A holiday festival and gift shop are part of the event, offering local pottery, woodwork, and art—plus creations made by the animals—available for purchase during the celebration.

What the day feels like

What the Holiday Celebration Feels Like

Over roughly 2.5 hours the park stages a compact festival: a hayride under the stars, close-up moments with Santa and animal companions, and a live Nativity display that foregrounds animals as part of the seasonal telling. Interwoven with the program is a holiday marketplace where local artisans and even the animals’ artworks are displayed and sold.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this celebration suits—and when it might not be ideal.

1
Families with childrenAll ages are welcome and the program includes family-focused activities like the hayride and Santa meet-and-greet, though organizers require at least one adult ticket per party.
2
Faith-based groupsGroups seeking a holiday program with a Nativity presentation will find a live-animal Nativity included in the celebration; note the adult-ticket requirement for parties.
3
Wildlife and animal loversVisitors interested in animal encounters and animal-related curiosities—such as art created by the animals—will find those elements central to the event, subject to the park’s operating guidelines.
4
Holiday shoppers and craft-seekersThose looking to buy local pottery, woodwork, artisan pieces, and animal-created art will have shopping opportunities at the festival; parties must still meet the adult-ticket requirement.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Length

The Holiday Celebration runs approximately 2.5 hours.

Meeting Location

Meet at North Georgia Wildlife & Safari Park in Cleveland, Georgia.

What to Bring

No special gear requirements are listed for this program; it consists of a hayride, animal encounters, and festival areas.

Shopping & Add‑Ons

A gift shop will be open with local pottery, woodwork, and art specials; an Ornament Painting with Penguin Meet & Greet add-on is available for $12.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the Holiday Celebration?

The event has a duration of 2.5 hours.

Where do I meet for the event?

The Holiday Celebration convenes at North Georgia Wildlife & Safari Park in Cleveland, Georgia.

Are animals part of the celebration?

Yes. The event includes Santa with animal friends and a Nativity display that features live animals, and animal-created art is on display and for sale.

Is there an extra-cost activity?

Yes. Ornament Painting with Penguin Meet & Greet is offered as an add-on for $12.

Are there any ticketing requirements?

At least one adult ticket is required per party.