Each year the Okinawa Zoo transforms itself for one week in late December into an illuminated Christmas Fantasy. The 2013 event ran from 22 ~ 28 December from 16:30 ~ 21:30 each evening. When the sun sets the areas of the zoo with animals and Wonder Land are closed off and the rest of the spacious park in Okinawa City becomes a Christmas festival complete with lights, Santa, musical acts and other performances, festival food, kids rides, and carnival games. Bring a lightweight tri-pod to take advantage of the best photography opportunities - my husband and I somehow forgot ours. The cost of admission for 2013 was 1,700 yen for adults, 1,000 yen for 4 ~ 15 year-olds, and free for 0 ~ 3. Park at the Okinawa City Hall or the Okinawa City Athletic Stadium and take the shuttle as the zoo lots are small and usually full.
