ZOOLIGHTS
ZOOLIGHTS
November 13, 2026 – January 3, 2027
For three decades, the zoo has brought Calgarians together under the glow of lights to create memories, celebrate the holidays, and inspire connection to wildlife.
ZOOLIGHTS, presented by Olympia Trust Company, is celebrating its 30th anniversary!
This year, discover new ways to celebrate alongside returning favourites, from a glowing bamboo trail and prairie-inspired light displays to festive food and drink, interactive activities, and more.
With over 1 million lights aglow throughout the zoo, the celebration shines all season long.
Remember to purchase your tickets in advance for wildly good savings!
What’s Happening This Year?
Celebrate 30 years of ZOOLIGHTS with new adventures and returning favourites!
- Mark the occasion by snapping a photo with a nearly six-foot-tall “30” in the North Pole.
- Pay a visit to Santa’s Polar Palace, presented by the Calgary Hitmen Hockey Club, nightly from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. until December 23.
- Follow the twists and turns of the Find Your Wild Maze and see what animal surprises you’ll discover along the way.
- Step into a conservation storybook with Tales from the Prairie, where burrowing owls are in the green-and-gold spotlight.
- Join the supporting cast of the Merry & Bright Light Show, presented by TC Energy, as you walk through singing trees and colourful light projections outside Kitamba Café.
- Sweeten up your stroll through the Holiday Gardens with a stop at Gumdrop Grove, where a rainbow of glowing orbs dots the snow-covered landscape alongside larger-than-life candy lights.
- New walk-through gingerbread houses bring fairytales to life in the Adventure Zone, where fresh winter games, free axe-throwing, and firepits await.
- Level up your visit with the Taste of ZOOLIGHTS food passport and sample festive bites and sips across the zoo.
- Enjoy a free ride on the Wildlife Carousel (last ride loads at 9:15 p.m.)
Presenting Partner
ADVENTURE BY DAY. MAGIC BY NIGHT.
Sunlight to ZOOLIGHTS
Spend your afternoon exploring the zoo and visiting your favourite animals, then experience the wonder of ZOOLIGHTS with a single discounted ticket.
SNOW. GLOW. WHOA.
Snow Globes
Turn up the magic for your next romantic date, friends’ night out, or family celebration with a Snow Globe reservation. Enjoy a private oasis surrounded by glowing 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.
ONE TICKET. TWO ATTRACTIONS.
Lights & Heights Pass
Double up on the Calgary sights with the Lights & Heights Pass! We’ve teamed up with the Calgary Tower to bring you one ticket to two of the city’s most iconic attractions.
Take in the city from above at the Calgary Tower, then explore over one million lights aglow at ZOOLIGHTS. Two Calgary favourites, one unforgettable day.
MIDWEEK. MAGIC.
Wonder Wednesdays
Make your midweek plans shine a little brighter with Wonder Wednesdays at ZOOLIGHTS!
From November 18, until December 16, you can enjoy 20% off your Sunlight to ZOOLIGHTS and ZOOLIGHTS tickets both online and at the gate.
TASTE. IT. ALL
Taste of ZOOLIGHTS
Discover the Taste of ZOOLIGHTS with an all new food and beverage pass available every Thursday. Warm up and get into the spirit by sampling a variety of holiday drinks and food that are sprinkled around ZOOLIGHTS.
Add it onto your ZOOLIGHTS ticket at checkout!
BRIGHT LIGHTS. HEARTY BITES.
Festive Feast
Make a night of ZOOLIGHTS with a festive buffet dinner at Kitamba Café and Safari Lodge. Take a break from the cold, warm up indoors, and enjoy a hearty meal before heading back out to explore the glowing displays.
With dazzling lights outside and a delicious feast inside, it’s a treat for your eyes and your appetite.
Add it onto your ZOOLIGHTS ticket at checkout!
SEASONAL. SERVINGS.
Holiday Brunch
Celebrate the festive season in style with a Specialty Holiday Brunch! We’re getting cozy in Safari Lodge with a specialty brunch menu crafted by our award-winning catering team.
You’ll enjoy your favourite brunch treats, plus more seasonal offerings. It’s the perfect way to fuel up for your wintertime zoo adventure.
Host an Event
Corporate ZOOLIGHTS Packages
Wow your guests with one of the most unique locations in Calgary. Corporate ZOOLIGHTS packages are the most magical way to wish your staff the best of the season.
Helpful Tips
Download ZOOLIGHTS map
To ensure that our guests have the best ZOOLIGHTS experience, we encourage you to:
Plan Ahead
Be prepared that on warm weather nights, ZOOLIGHTS may be busy.
Buy Online & SAVE
Spend more time taking in the magic of ZOOLIGHTS. Buying tickets online allows you to skip the line and save.
Dress Warm
Check the weather and be sure to dress for the conditions. Ensure you wear proper footwear and clothing to stay warm and safe.
Thank you to our sponsors
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning Your Visit
When is ZOOLIGHTS?
ZOOLIGHTS runs from November 13, 2026, to January 3, 2027, nightly from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Last admission to the park is at 9 p.m.
How long should I plan for my visit?
Allow approximately 90 minutes to experience ZOOLIGHTS.
Can I visit with Santa?
Yes! Santa will be at Santa’s Polar Palace in Skoki Classroom from November 13 to December 23, 2026, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. nightly. Note: Members have exclusive access to Santa’s Polar Palace until 6:30 p.m. on November 16, 23, and 30, and December 7 and 14.
Is ZOOLIGHTS open on New Year’s Eve?
Yes! ZOOLIGHTS is open on December 31 from 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. with all regular displays and activities. Families can also enjoy free, kid-friendly activities, including interactive entertainment from the Wilder Bunch Performance Troupe and a crafting and colouring station.
Are there any blackout dates?
Yes. The zoo is closed on Christmas Day, December 25, 2026.
Can I see animals during ZOOLIGHTS?
Animal buildings are closed to the public during ZOOLIGHTS. For current animal building hours during daytime visits, see our Plan Your Visit page
Are retail shops and food concessions open?
Yes! The North Gift Shop, Bamboo-tique, Penguin Café, Kitamba Café, and select food and beverage locations are scheduled to be open nightly during ZOOLIGHTS. Availability may vary based on staffing and weather.
Tickets and Admission
How do I purchase tickets?
Purchase tickets online through the ZOOLIGHTS or Sunlight to ZOOLIGHTS ticketing pages. Select your visit date, choose your tickets, and complete checkout. If you need help purchasing tickets online, contact Guest Relations at (403) 232-9300.
What is Plan-Ahead Pricing?
Plan-Ahead Pricing offers lower admission prices for guests who purchase ZOOLIGHTS or Sunlight to ZOOLIGHTS combo tickets online in advance. Prices may change daily, and purchasing earlier generally offers greater savings.
Learn more about Plan-Ahead Pricing on our General FAQ page.
Can I get a refund if I can no longer attend?
Tickets are non-refundable. For assistance or questions about your booking, contact Guest Relations at (403) 232-9300.
Are group discounts available?
For group pricing information, contact Guest Relations at (403) 232-9300.
Does the Calgary Recreation Fee Assistance Program apply to ZOOLIGHTS?
Yes. Guests with a valid City of Calgary Fee Assistance card can purchase discounted zoo admission at the gate. Visit the City of Calgary website for eligibility details.
How much is parking?
Parking at the North Gate is $14 through ParkPlus.
Do members receive free parking?
Wild Journey and Wildlife Guardian members receive free parking if they have successfully registered with ParkPlus. Free parking applies from 8:45 a.m. until one hour after the zoo closes, including extended hours for ZOOLIGHTS and special events.
Sunlight to ZOOLIGHTS Combo Tickets
What is a Sunlight to ZOOLIGHTS combo ticket?
The combo ticket lets you visit the zoo during the day and attend ZOOLIGHTS that same evening with one discounted ticket.
Can I use the two parts of my combo ticket on separate days?
No, the combo ticket bundle is valid for a single-day visit. Once visitors enter the experience, they cannot return on a different day.
When can I purchase a same-day combo ticket?
Combo tickets are available online at any time. In-person purchases for same-day visits are available from 1 to 5:30 p.m.
To make the most of your visit, allow at least two hours to explore the zoo during the day and approximately 90 minutes for ZOOLIGHTS.
When can daytime visitors enter the zoo during ZOOLIGHTS season?
From November 13, 2026, to January 3, 2027, guests with regular daytime admission tickets can enter between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. They may remain in the zoo until 5:30 p.m. Guests arriving after 1 p.m. need a Sunlight to ZOOLIGHTS combo ticket.
Can members visit the zoo in the afternoon without attending ZOOLIGHTS?
Yes. Members can enter for a daytime visit until 3 p.m. Entry after 3 p.m. requires a ZOOLIGHTS ticket.
Can I upgrade my daytime admission ticket to a Sunlight to ZOOLIGHTS combo ticket?
Yes. Contact Guest Relations at (403) 232-9300 for assistance with upgrading your ticket.
Can I use military, ZooShare or membership admission discounts on a combo ticket?
No. Combo tickets are offered at set prices and cannot be combined with military, ZooShare or membership admission discounts.
Why is there a senior ticket option for the combo ticket?
The combo ticket includes daytime zoo admission, which offers a senior ticket rate.
Can I upgrade my Sunlight to ZOOLIGHTS ticket to a membership?
Contact Guest Relations to confirm the value of your ticket toward a membership upgrade.
Activities and Accessibility
When is axe throwing this year?
Axe throwing is available on Fridays and Saturdays from November 13 to December 12, 2026, and every night from December 18, 2026, to January 3, 2027 (excluding December 25). Axe throwing is open from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., with the last entry to the queue at 9:15 p.m.
Guests aged eight and up can take up to three free swings.
Please note that waivers for those under 18 need to be signed by an adult prior to throwing.
Will the Wildlife Carousel be open?
Yes. Guests can enjoy free carousel rides nightly from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., with the last ride loading at 9:15 p.m.
Are sensory supports available at ZOOLIGHTS?
Yes. Free sensory bags are available at the North Gift Shop on a first-come, first-served basis. Bags include headphones, a fidget spinner and other items to help guests manage sensory sensitivities.
Signage throughout the park also provides advance notice of flashing or moving lights and sounds.
Are wheelchairs available to rent?
Yes. Wheelchair rentals are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the North Gift Shop.
Weather and Cancellations
What happens if ZOOLIGHTS is cancelled due to extreme weather?
If ZOOLIGHTS is cancelled due to extreme weather, tickets for the affected date will be exchanged for an alternative visit date. Ticket holders will receive an email with cancellation details and available options.
What happens if ZOOLIGHTS is cancelled and I have a Sunlight to ZOOLIGHTS combo ticket?
The ZOOLIGHTS portion of your combo ticket will be exchanged for an alternative date, following the usual ZOOLIGHTS cancellation process. Ticket holders will receive an email with details and available options.