ZooLights Is Back at the San Francisco Zoo for the Holidays!
ZooLights is back at the San Francisco Zoo & Gardens for the first time since 2018, with an all-new look. It runs November 6, 2026, through January 3, 2027, Wednesday through Sunday until December 16, then nightly, from 5:30 to 9 pm. Expect more than one million sparkling lights, glowing animals, light tunnels and 14 themed zones, plus interactive fun that kids will love.
Explore More Than One Million Holiday Lights
Families can stroll illuminated pathways, explore larger-than-life holiday decorations and discover displays inspired by winter, nature and animals. Highlights include giant candy canes, glowing ornaments and festive gift boxes, plus a frozen wonderland with 10-foot-tall icicles, sparkling snowflakes, an ice throne and a frozen sleigh that's perfect for holiday photos.
Kids will love spotting the illuminated animals, including a rhino, a gorilla, neon penguins and sea lions in the Neon Zoo, and a tree filled with glowing ring-tailed lemurs.
Interactive Fun and Magical Photo Opportunities
There’s more to ZooLights than beautiful decorations. Families can walk a botanical pathway with oversized illuminated butterflies, 12-foot-tall flowers and colorful floral displays.
Other attractions include light-up swings and seesaws, a giant tic-tac-toe game, and a lit display honoring the Zoo’s historic miniature steam train (a display, not a ride).
Look for San Francisco-inspired decorations too, including a glowing Golden Gate Bridge and a cable car.
Dinosaurs After Dark!
The Zoo’s popular Dinos Rule! exhibit gets a nighttime makeover. Life-sized animatronic dinosaurs come to life with colorful lighting, glowing pathways and immersive prehistoric landscapes. It’s included with your ZooLights ticket, and it’s a hit with dinosaur-loving kids.
Special Holiday Events and Visits with Santa
Themed evenings are planned for most Fridays and Saturdays (schedule is preliminary and subject to change):
- Friday, November 13: Bingo Night
- Saturday, November 14: Silent Disco
- Friday, November 20: Trivia Night
- Saturday, November 21: Family Techno Glow Rave
- Friday, December 4: Star Wars Night
- Friday & Saturday, December 11 & 12: Visits with Santa Claus
- Friday & Saturday, December 18 & 19: Santa Claus and Dickens Carolers
Special holiday food and beverages will be available throughout the event, and the Zoo’s restaurant and gift shop will be open.
Plan Your Visit to ZooLights
Dates: November 6, 2026–January 3, 2027
Hours: 5:30–9 pm. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays through December 15 (open Wednesday–Sunday). Open nightly beginning December 16.
Admission:
- Adults and ages 12+: $30
- Children ages 2–11: $21
- Zoo members: $3 off adult and child tickets
- Children under 2: pricing isn’t listed, so call the Zoo to confirm
Tickets are available online, in person or through the Zoo app. ZooLights requires a separate ticket from daytime Zoo admission. Standard parking fees apply.
Location: San Francisco Zoo & Gardens, Sloat Boulevard at the Great Highway, San Francisco, CA 94132
Phone: (415) 753-7080
Website: San Francisco Zoo & Gardens
Parent Tip: Bundle up for this outdoor nighttime adventure! Arrive early enough to explore the different themed zones, enjoy the interactive displays and take plenty of family photos.
Looking for More Holiday Fun?
Discover more festive activities for kids in our Marin and Bay Area Holiday Guide, featuring holiday lights, Christmas tree lightings, ice skating, Nutcracker performances, visits with Santa and more family-friendly holiday events!