November 14, 2025-January 4, 2026
Zoolights
Calgary Zoo, 1300 Zoo Rd. N.E.
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Gates close at 8:30 p.m.)
ZOOLIGHTS is closed to the public on November 25 and December 25.
Admission:
General (16+): $19.45-$22.95
Child (3-15): $13.45-$15.95
Under 3 years are free
ZOOLIGHTS, presented by Olympia Trust Company, is set to be BIGGER, BRIGHTER, and BOLDER than ever before! Back for its 29th season, the city’s favourite sparkling spectacle is sure to ignite your festive spirit as the zoo transforms into a magical winter wonderland.
Experience the wonder of twinkling lights and dazzling displays, where the joy of the season brings you closer to family, friends, and the heart of the community. With axe throwing, daily interactive activities, delicious treats, animal facts, and more, there are so many memories to be made on chilly nights under the warm glow of shimmering lights!
What’s Happening This Year?
Themed areas and activities are bringing even more ZOOLIGHTS fun.
- Member Mondays: For the first 5 Mondays of ZOOLIGHTS, members get exclusive access to the Asia Tent and the warming fire pit on Dinny’s lawn, along with a complementary build-your-own hot chocolate bar, Members-only hour from 5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. with Santa and door prizes. Exact dates are as follows: November 17th, November 24th, December 1st, December 8th, December 15th.
- Crash. Bang. Wallop. What’s that sound? It’s the mischievous elves in Prehistoric Park setting up for their big show — The Festive Forest! See who you can spot — and hear — as you make your way to Santa’s sleigh for an “Elfie Selfie”.
- Make your visit to ZOOLIGHTS even cooler with a trip to Santa’s Polar Palace! You can find him in his brand-new glittering home in the ‘Skoki’ classroom from November 14th to December 23rd.
- Stroll across Discovery Bridge and become mesmerized by a unique light show, with vibrant patterns reflecting down onto the water below.
- Swing into the enchanting, leafy lights of a Madagascan forest and immerse yourself in the world of Lemur Tales. Explore art pieces, fun facts, and more in this captivating light display at Destination Africa.
- Take a whimsical walk through the Holiday Gardens, where Christmas lights, photo ops, and the Merry and Bright Tree Display presented by TC Energy glows with colourful ground lighting and a choreographed light display set to a holiday soundtrack. The Dorothy Harvie Gardens have never been this festive!
- Take a break from the sparkling lights and head to the Adventure Zone on Asia Lawn. Here you’ll find interactive games, cozy firepits, axe-throwing, and more!
- Journey along the Rocky Mountain Trail, located by Bamboo-tique, and discover the animals of the Rockies projected onto mountain scenery before arriving at a sparkling light tunnel.
- Take the 100 ft. light tunnel to step into Savannah Sparkle in Exploration Asia under the glow of red, yellow, and green lights. Discover the wonders of Africa, with a glowing drum display and soundtracks that transport you to a festive escape.
- Excel Homes is proudly sponsoring free rides for ZOOLIGHTS visitors on the Wildlife Carousel. Rides will take place nightly during ZOOLIGHTS from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with the last ride loading at 8:45 p.m.
Sunlight to ZOOLIGHTS
Spend your afternoon exploring the zoo and visiting your favorite animals, then stick around to experience the wonder of ZOOLIGHTS in one unforgettable visit.
Available from November 14th, 2025, to January 4th, 2026, the Sunlight to ZOOLIGHTS combo ticket allows you to visit the zoo during the day starting at 1:00 p.m. and stay for ZOOLIGHTS that evening with a single discounted ticket.
Admission:
General (16+): $38.95-$45.95
Child (3-15): $27.95-$32.95
Under 3 years are free
Snow Globes
Snow Globes are back to make your next romantic date night, friends’ night out, family celebration or other occasion seasonally special. Enjoy your private oasis surrounded by twinkling lights at this one-of-a-kind experience.
Your reservation includes admission to ZOOLIGHTS along with a one-and-a-half-hour Snow Globe rental and your selected food and beverage package.
PRICE: $180 per Snow Globe + additional fee per person based on theme package chosen
Enchanted Winter Feast: $95 per person
Classic Cheese Fondue Package: $60 per person
Winter Chocolate Fondue Package: $60 per person
Snow Globe Add-Ons: $10 – $170
ZOOLIGHTS Festive Feast
Make your ZOOLIGHTS evening even more delicious with a hot buffet feast, served in Kitamba Café from November 14th – December 20th and in Safari Lodge from December 21st – 30th between 5:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Festive Feast is available for pre-order with your ZOOLIGHTS or Sunlight to ZOOLIGHTS ticket, or for walk-up purchase on-site (subject to availability).
Adult: $35.00
Senior: $30.00
Child: $20.00
ZOOLIGHTS Specialty Feast
On December 24th and 31st, the ZOOLIGHTS feast gets an extra touch of holiday magic, featuring an elevated menu and festive décor to bring you fully into the spirit of the season.
ZOOLIGHTS Specialty Feast is available for pre-order with your ZOOLIGHTS or Sunlight to ZOOLIGHTS ticket, or for walk-up purchase on-site (subject to availability).
Adult: $50.00
Senior: $45.00
Child: $30.00
Experience the MAGIC of ZOOLIGHTS
ZOOLIGHTS comes to life at night with twinkling lights at every turn, including over 200 light figurines, along with interactive and choreographed light displays. The lights are turned on at 5:00 p.m. nightly and run until 9:00 p.m. It takes approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours to experience all that ZOOLIGHTS has to offer - but you are able to stay for as little or as long as you like! The glow starts with you! Come experience how 2+ million lights, 200 displays, crackling fire pits, and fun-filled activity zones (with many new additions!), transform the Calgary Zoo into a magical winter wonderland.
Admission to ZOOLIGHTS helps support the Calgary Zoo's conservation efforts to protect species at risk, here at home and around the world.
