Deer in the snow (Tamala Malerk)

Home to over 600 animals and a quaint Christmas market in December, Neunkirchen Zoo is a fun time for all, when properly dressed.

After racing back to my car to put on a second pair of socks, I quickly realized that it was a ridiculously cold winter day and that I needed something to warm myself up. Back in the zoo, I found a stand that specialized in crepes. My Nutella crepe warmed not only my body, but also my soul as soon as the hot chocolatey filling hit my taste buds. For those who wish to brave eating ice cream in already chilly winter temps, Bistro Adebar in the center of the zoo has 17 different flavors for you to choose from.

If you are in the mood for something savory, there are options on-site for that as well. Imbiss am Affenhaus (Snack at the Monkey House) offers you the chance to marvel at the monkeys while munching on German favorites such as schnitzel and currywurst. Snack Falknereischänke (Falconry Snack Tavern) offers burgers, chicken and rösti options.

For extra fun and convenience, the hotel on-site, Hotel Am Zoo includes admission to the zoo. There are a variety of rooms to choose from whether you are staying solo or with the entire family (including the dog!). Rooms are tastefully decorated with animal and underwater scenes. You can also compete against your partner or kids on the miniature golf course located right across the street.

Alpaca in the zoo (Tamala Malerk)

After walking around the zoo and Christmas market all day, you can relax in the Finnish sauna located on the top floor to warm up and soothe those tired feet- the sauna session is included in the price of the hotel. Book your stay at hotelamzoo.de.

Neunkirchen Zoo is fun no matter what time of the year, but when you are looking for that “out-of-the-ordinary” Christmas market experience, it is especially cool (pun intended). As you can probably guess, I visited on a particularly cold day: 10 degrees Fahrenheit (-12 degrees Celsius)!

Because of the cooler weather many of the animals chose (wisely I might add) to stay indoors with the heaters. There were a few that roamed around in the cold, but one seemed to thrive: Olaf the snow leopard. He was absolutely in love with the weather. From his makeshift fort under some snow-covered stones, he enjoyed just watching the world go by.

I enjoyed meandering around and looking at the different animals; however, because of the weather, I missed out on viewing some of the animals and the zoo cancelled many of the animal feedings that I hope to go back in the spring to see. However, the snow on the ground made the animals that wandered around stand out, especially the wooly black alpacas and striped zebras.

What I missed in animal encounters was made up for with the enhanced experience of the Christmas market. It was not a large market, but I was still able to purchase a unique light-up Christmas ornament and had fun browsing at the different stalls. In 2024, the Christmas Market will be held from Dec. 19-22.

Ostrich in the snow (Tamala Malerk)

It is easy to park at Neunkirchen Zoo, though it is a five-minute walk from the parking lot to the entrance. Shoppers beware: The entrance (and exit) to the zoo is a gift shop. I was tempted to buy all of the souvenirs on my way in and out.

To learn more about the zoo, shows and daily feeding times, meet-and-greet add-ons, as well as fun events at the zoo like Dreamnight, Boo at the Zoo and the Children’s Festival, go to neunkircherzoo.de.