Philly Zoo to Feature New 10-Story Ferris Wheel Attraction Soon
The Philadelphia Zoo is set to enhance its annual winter festivities with the introduction of a significant new attraction this season—a 10-story Ferris wheel, aptly named the “Pherris Wheel.” This marks a milestone in the zoo’s more than 150-year history, as it will be the first Ferris wheel to grace the zoo’s campus. The attraction is scheduled to make its debut on November 20, located just past the zoo’s main entrance. Visitors will be treated to panoramic views not only of the zoo itself but also of iconic Philadelphia landmarks, including Boathouse Row and the Philadelphia Art Museum.
The Pherris Wheel will operate in conjunction with the zoo’s acclaimed holiday light display, LumiNature, which will continue to run through January 3. Notably, the Ferris wheel will remain in operation beyond the holiday season, serving as a unique attraction during Philadelphia’s celebrations commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States, known as the Semiquincentennial, in 2026.
Jo-Elle Mogerman, the president and CEO of the Philadelphia Zoo, emphasized the significance of the new attraction during its announcement. She noted that winter at the zoo offers a distinctive experience for visitors, encouraging connections with animals and the environment amid the holiday season’s splendor. The inclusion of the Pherris Wheel is anticipated to elevate the family-friendly atmosphere of the zoo during this festive period.
LumiNature, the zoo’s inaugural major holiday light and sound show launched in 2019, boasts over a million lights illuminating the park’s themed displays. This year, the installation will feature numerous immersive exhibits, including a sparkling 40-foot penguin, a whimsical tree adorned with flamingo lawn ornaments, and a new Santa’s Lodge, where children can meet Santa Claus and enjoy festive beverages.
In addition to the zoo’s new wheel, the Philadelphia holiday landscape will also feature a 30-foot-tall German Christmas pyramid standing over Love Park’s Christmas Village. The Pherris Wheel serves as a much-anticipated reimagining of the former Zoo Balloon, which offered similar sweeping views before its closure in 2014.
As the winter season approaches, the Philadelphia Zoo is poised to be a vibrant destination for both locals and tourists, with its new attractions promising unforgettable experiences against the backdrop of the city’s scenic winter landscape.
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