It’s sparkling and magical — and there’s nothing like it for festive, family joy! ZOOLIGHTS, presented by Olympia Trust Company, is bringing you cool nights and warm lights at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo this holiday. The award-winning tradition will light up your nights from November 14, 2025, to January 4, 2026. Delight in an enchanting, family-friendly evening at this holiday extravaganza.
This is the 29th season that the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo has transformed into an enchanting winter wonderland. The ZOOLIGHTS experience lights up the holidays with one million lights and close to 250 light figures, including interactive and choreographed light displays. With new installations for 2025, your family will enjoy a brighter night to remember, all while you support wildlife conservation.
Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo (2023)
What to Expect in 2025
Amazing themed areas and activities will bring you even more ZOOLIGHTS fun in 2025!
Don’t miss Member Mondays! For the first 5 Mondays of ZOOLIGHTS (November 17 and 24, and December 1, 8, and 15), members get exclusive access to the Asia Tent and the warming fire pit on Dinny’s lawn, along with a build-your-own hot chocolate bar. Plus, there’s a members-only hour (5 – 6 PM) to visit with Santa.
Be sure to stop by and visit Santa Claus at Santa’s Polar Palace! But he’s only in his glittering home in the ‘Skoki’ classroom from November 14 – December 23, 2025.
Do you hear that? It’s the sound of mischievous elves in The Festive Forest setting up for their show! See who you can spot as you make your way to Santa’s Sleigh for an “Elfie Selfie.”
The Merry and Bright Tree Display, presented by TC Energy, is aglow with colourful ground lighting and a choreographed light display set to a holiday soundtrack that will make you want to dance.
Stroll across Discovery Bridge and become mesmerized by a unique light show, with vibrant patterns reflecting in the water below.
The land is glowing with red, yellow, and green light as you step into Savannah Sparkle. Discover the wonders of Africa, with a glowing drum display and soundtracks that transport you.
Find the Adventure Zone on the Asia Lawn. Here you’ll find interactive games, cozy firepits, axe-throwing, and more!
You’ll discover the animals of the Rockies, projected onto mountain scenery, along the Rocky Mountain Trail, located by Bamboo-tique.
Of course, take time to enjoy all the classic favourites at ZOOLIGHTS. Take a spin around the skating rink, walk down the Tunnel of Love, test your arm with axe throwing, and warm up by the firepits. Excel Homes is also sponsoring free carousel rides for ZOOLIGHTS visitors!
Special Nights and Events
There are a number of special events at ZOOLIGHTS, which are separately ticketed. The Snow Globe Experience is back in 2025. Rent a “Snow Globe” and savour an exclusive dining moment under the glow of the zoo’s twinkling lights. Or get tickets for the ZOOLIGHTS Festive Feast and warm up with a delicious meal.
Tickets and Details
ZOOLIGHTS comes to life nightly from 5 to 9 PM. It takes approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours to experience all that ZOOLIGHTS has to offer – but stay as long as you like. Ticket prices vary and are available at the gate, but you can SAVE time and money by purchasing in advance online!
We love the lights, but we also love the animals who will be resting during ZOOLIGHTS! That’s no problem — you can also purchase a Sunlight to ZOOLIGHTS discounted combo pass. This pass allows you to visit your favourite animals at the Zoo starting at 1 PM and then enjoy the magic of ZOOLIGHTS at night!
Travel Alberta/Cakewalk Media (2022)
It’s all the family fun we love during the holidays: sparkling lights, a visit with Santa, playing in the snow, and hot chocolate by the fire! Whether you are creating a new holiday tradition or continuing a favourite one, your whole family will love the festive spectacle of ZOOLIGHTS, presented by Olympia Trust Company, at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo.
ZOOLIGHTS:
Date: November 14, 2025, to January 4, 2026 (Closed November 25 and December 25)
Time: 5 – 9 PM (no admission after 8:30 PM)
Venue: Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo
Address: 210 St. George’s Drive NE, Calgary, AB
Website: www.calgaryzoo.com/zoolights
Find more family events in our Christmas Event Guide.
