The Glow of the Season Returns with ZOOLIGHTS

As winter nights grow longer, the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo lights up once more with ZOOLIGHTS, presented by Olympia Trust Company. Now in its 29th year, ZOOLIGHTS will transform the grounds into a glowing celebration of light, colour, and community. Guests can look forward to new installations alongside returning favourites that capture the wonder of winter and the joy of the season. 

“For nearly three decades, ZOOLIGHTS has been a cherished holiday tradition in Calgary – inviting generations to come together and share in the magic of the season,” said Alison Archambault, Director of Brand & Public Relations at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. “It’s more than a celebration of light; it’s a reflection of our community’s warmth and our shared commitment to protecting wildlife for the future.” 

From dazzling new light installations to accessible ticket options, ZOOLIGHTS offers an unforgettable way to celebrate the holidays while supporting vital conservation work. 

Event Details: 

• November 14, 2025, to January 4, 2026 (weather permitting) 

• Nightly from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. (closed November 25 for private event and December 25) 

What’s new this year: 

• The North Pole | Location: Penguin Plaza: A new theme takes over Penguin Plaza this year, transforming the north entrance into a polar paradise. The Hot Chocolate Bar returns, and a welcome shed will greet visitors with lights, heat, maps and event information. New snowflake rope lights take this arctic ambience to the next level. 

• Sugar Plum Station | Location: ENMAX Conservatory: At Sugar Plum Station, the ENMAX Conservatory becomes a festive wonderland, brought to life in partnership with the Rocky Mountain Garden Railroaders. Glittering gold and red trees, charming train displays, and an irresistible candy scene create a picture-perfect holiday stop. 

• Festive Forest, presented by Orange Frog Productions |Location: Prehistoric Park: The mischievous elves are back, setting up for their big show in the Festive Forest! Guests can spot and hear them along the path to Santa’s sleigh for an “Elfie Selfie.” New this year: Roaming elves will interact with guests, bringing the “elves run amok” theme to life. 

• Holiday Gardens | Location: Dorothy Harvie Gardens: Step into the all-new Holiday Gardens, where sparkling lights, playful photo ops, and a brilliant ornamental archway set the stage for festive memories. The Merry and Bright Tree Show, presented by TC Energy, makes its radiant return alongside new singing trees sure to delight visitors of all ages. 

• Luminous Lawn | Location: Savannah Lawn: Floating orbs shimmer in every hue across the Savannah Lawn, surrounding guests in a kaleidoscope of colour and light — the perfect backdrop for capturing the magic of ZOOLIGHTS. 

• Rocky Mountain Trail | Location: Bamboo-tique: Discover the animals of the Rockies projected onto mountain scenery before arriving at a sparkling light tunnel. 

• Tunnel to Savannah Sparkle | Location: Bamboo-tique: A spectacular new light tunnel, presented by PCL, will transport visitors from the Bamboo-tique into the Savannah Sparkle zone with an impressive 100ft tunnel glowing with hundreds of lights. 

Santa’s Polar Palace, presented by the Calgary Hitmen 

No visit is complete without a stop at Santa’s Polar Palace. Guests can visit Santa in the Skoki classroom from November 14 to December 23, between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. Member Mondays: On November 17, 24, and December 1, 8, and 15, members receive exclusive early access from 5–6 p.m. (membership card required). 

Carousel Rides, presented by Excel Homes 

Excel Homes is proudly sponsoring free carousel rides for ZOOLIGHTS guests. Rides will take place nightly during ZOOLIGHTS from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., with the last ride loading at 8:45 p.m. Head down to Exploration Asia to take a spin. 

Dining Experiences 

Guests can enhance their ZOOLIGHTS experience with a variety of festive dining options. The ZOOLIGHTS Festive Feast is a nightly buffet available from November 14 to December 30 at Kitamba Café (Nov. 14–Dec. 20) and Safari Lodge (Dec. 21–30), running from 5–7:30 p.m. Tickets include the buffet only, with last entry at 7 p.m. For a special holiday treat, the ZOOLIGHTS Specialty Festive Feast at Safari Lodge on December 24 and 31 offers an enhanced menu for an unforgettable evening. Guests can also enjoy ZOOLIGHTS Holiday Brunch at Safari Lodge on December 21 and 28, with three seatings between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., combining a festive meal with a day at the zoo. Returning this year, the Snow Globes on Grazers Lawn provide a private, heated space for up to six guests, including food and beverage options, available nightly during ZOOLIGHTS (some exclusions apply).

Ticket Options: 

To make ZOOLIGHTS accessible and enjoyable for all guests, the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is offering a variety of ticket options this season: 

• Sunlight to ZOOLIGHTS: For those looking to visit their favourite zoo animals during the day and take in ZOOLIGHTS at night, Sunlight to ZOOLIGHTS delivers the best of both worlds! This combo ticket grants access to the zoo during the afternoon, AND to ZOOLIGHTS that same evening with a single discounted ticket. It’s an exciting and cost-effective way to enjoy multiple experiences in a single day. 

• Lights & Heights with the Calgary Tower: In partnership with the Calgary Tower, the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is offering the new Lights & Heights Pass — a single ticket that combines two of Calgary’s brightest experiences. Guests can admire the city’s glittering skyline from above at the Calgary Tower before strolling through the luminous displays of ZOOLIGHTS, presented by Olympia Trust Company. 

Get ready to gather under the glow of warm lights on frosty nights – tickets to ZOOLIGHTS are on sale now! See our ZOOLGHTS page for details.