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ZOOLIGHTS (29th season) is a winter evening event at the Calgary Zoo, when the grounds are transformed into a festive “winter wonderland” with twinkling garlands, large-scale light installations, music, activities, and seasonal treats.

When it takes place

• Until January 4, 2026
• ZOOLIGHTS hours: 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., last admission at 8:30 p.m.
• Estimated walk time: approximately 90 minutes.
• Open December 31 (in the usual 5–9 format).
• Closed December 25, 2025 (Christmas).

Where it takes place

• Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, St. George’s Island, Calgary.
• Main address/landmark for arrival: 210 St. George’s Drive NE, Calgary, AB T2E 7V6 (North Gate / North Lot).

What to expect at ZOOLIGHTS

Light zones and must-see locations

The route includes themed areas with decorations, lighting, photo zones, and show elements, including:

• The Festive Forest (in the Prehistoric Park area): elves, sounds/effects, and “Elfie Selfie” near Santa's sleigh.
• Santa's Polar Palace: meet Santa in the Skoki Classroom (on select dates during the season).
• Light show on Discovery Bridge with patterns reflected in the water.
• Lemur Tales in Destination Africa: “forest” lights, art elements, and animal facts.
• Holiday Gardens / Merry & Bright Tree Display at Dorothy Harvie Gardens (light choreography set to a festive soundtrack).
• Adventure Zone (Asia Lawn): interactive games, cozy bonfires, and axe throwing.
• Rocky Mountain Trail: projections of “mountain” animals + a 100-foot light tunnel.
• Savannah Sparkle: a “safari” with glowing figures and lights inspired by the African savannah.

Attractions and Activities

• Wildlife Carousel — free rides for ZOOLIGHTS visitors: every evening from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., last boarding at 8:45 p.m.

Food, drinks, and special offers

• ZOOLIGHTS Happy Hour (5:00–6:30 p.m.): Baileys & Hot Chocolate — $5.95.
• Early Bird Special (5:00–6:30 p.m.) at Kitamba Café: buy 2 handheld items — kids' menu -50%.
• ZOOLIGHTS Festive Feast: hot buffet 5:00–7:30 p.m.; locations vary by date (Kitamba Café / Safari Lodge). Pre-order with your ticket or purchase on-site (subject to availability).
• ZOOLIGHTS Specialty Feast (December 24 and 31): “upgraded” menu and festive decor, also available for pre-order or walk-up (subject to availability).

Separate formats (if you want to “wow”)

Snow Globes

Private “snow globes” (lounge space) for special events. The reservation includes: admission to ZOOLIGHTS + 1.5 hours of Snow Globe rental + selected food/beverage package.

Tickets and admission rules

• Prices vary by day, and it is more advantageous to purchase online in advance (Plan-Ahead Pricing).
• Explanation of Plan-Ahead Pricing: the calendar shows the price for each day; the price usually increases closer to the date, and to “lock in” the cost, you must purchase online.
• Tickets are non-refundable.

Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.calgaryzoo.com/zoolights/?fbclid=IwdGRjcAOyVhhleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeyAR-xulNEQvb7ksvosYPxlFCnKSR4yKRN-lRk_0HIdKaeO4j6OzrNgEWwzM_aem_BMwoOLHbS9XaVRo5XsFzMg

Sunlight to ZOOLIGHTS Combo

• One ticket for a daytime visit from 1:00 p.m. + evening ZOOLIGHTS on the same day (at a discount).
• The combo is valid for one day only (cannot be split across different days).
• Time tips: We recommend allowing 2+ hours for the daytime zoo and ~90 minutes for ZOOLIGHTS; the “last entry” times for some buildings during the day are also provided.

Daytime admission during ZOOLIGHTS

• For a regular daytime ticket during this period, admission is from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with stay on the premises until 5:00 p.m.
• If you arrive after 1:00 p.m., you will need a Sunlight to ZOOLIGHTS ticket (or equivalent).
• For members, last admission during the day is until 3:00 p.m.; after 3:00 p.m., a ZOOLIGHTS ticket is required.

Accessibility and comfort

• For guests with heightened sensitivity: sensory kits (headphones, fidgets, etc.) can be borrowed from the North Gift Shop, and there is also a sensory map with areas of heightened stimulation.
• Wheelchair rental is available on a first-come, first-serve basis at the North Gift Shop.
• Tips from the organizers: plan ahead, buy online, dress warmly (it can get crowded on “warm” winter evenings).

How to get there and parking

• Address for arriving by car/parking (North Lot): 210 St. George's Drive NE.
• Event parking: $13 at North Gate.
• Public transportation: CTrain (Blue/Route 202) to Zoo Station, then ~5 min walk to North Gate.

If the weather turns bad

In case of cancellation due to extreme weather, tickets will be exchanged for another date, and visitors will be sent an email with instructions. (For combos, the ZOOLIGHTS part will be exchanged according to the same principle.)