MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
The Valley’s favorite holiday tradition, ZooLights, will be here before you know it! The 2025-26 season will feature brand-new lights, lanterns and activities. Rumor has it, that a fan favorite will be making a return – stay tuned for updates and announcements!
Event Details
Dates:
November 26, 2025 – January 16, 2026
Location:
Phoenix Zoo
Time:
5:30 – 10:30 p.m.
Ages:
All ages
(Children 2 and under are free)
TICKETS ON SALE OCT. 1
Please note that most animals will not be visible during ZooLights. If you are interested in seeing more of the animals, we suggest visiting during daytime hours.
Sensory Friendly ZooLights - Monday, December 15
During this special evening, you can expect the same great ZooLights with some modifications to make it more sensory friendly, including smaller crowds, quieter music, reduced flashing lights and more. This event requires a separate ticket.
From the comfort of your car, drive through our immersive light tunnel, experience millions of twinkling lights and dazzling animal sculptures and enjoy Music-in-Motion Light Shows on our main lake. This event requires a separate ticket.
ZooLights Group/Bulk tickets are available when purchasing 50 tickets in advance.
ZooLights admission tickets are good for one (1) single admission on any public night of ZooLights.
Dates and hours are subject to change without notice.
Tickets are valid for any one night between November 26, 2025 – January 16, 2026.
* Tickets are non-refundable.
THINGS TO DO
Lake Lights Show
The Lake Lights Show is a stunning, immersive experience featuring a 50 ft. LED tree with music and synchronized imagery!
Glow Garden
The Zoo’s Glow Garden is a myriad of glowing experiences including a glowing dance floor and interactive glow swings. Get your glow on!
SHOWS
Animal Presentations at Doornbos Discovery Amphitheater nightly and community performances Wednesdays & Thursdays at 6 p.m.
Photos with Santa
Have your photo taken with Santa Claus. Also on Guardian & Donor Night and Member Nights. Reserve your time here. (fees apply).
ZooLights Holiday Globe
See the new Zoolights Holiday Globe sittting on the lake near the Children’s Trail as it sparkles and reflects off of the lake.
Wildlife LanternS
Over 50 animal lanterns will connect you with the wildlife our Zoo works to protect and conserve throughout Arizona and the world.
Celebrate the holiday season with a brand-new light show, an immersive 200-foot-long light tunnel, exclusive performances and so much more!
PARKING
Carpool with family and friends.
Watch for message boards when approaching the Zoo for parking information.
If the main lots are full, message boards will direct you to the overflow lot at Phoenix Municipal Stadium located at the southwest corner of Van Buren and Priest. The walk from the overflow lot is on a well-lit and paved pathway and takes approximately 15 minutes.
SHOPPING & DINING
Holiday Gifts & Toys
Take home a memento from your special evening. Visit one of the various pop-up Zoo shops or the Plaza gift shop!
s'mores by the fire
Snuggle up around the fire pits with your friends and family while making your own s’mores and special memories. Located in Plaza de los Niños.
Kettle Corn & Hot Cocoa
Indulge in your favorite holiday treats including kettle corn and hot cocoa. These are must-haves as you experience ZooLights!
Don’t forget to take a spin on the Endangered Species Carousel, ride a camel for the ultimate photo-op, enjoy s’mores by the fire and more!
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
- In general, the least crowded nights to attend are Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
- If you prefer later in the holiday season, please note that the first two weeks of December and the entirety of January tend to be less popular.
- The majority of people arrive when the gates first open, so an alternative is to arrive around 7:30 p.m. or 8 p.m. after the first wave of visitors have come and gone.
- Purchase your tickets online to save time when you arrive.
QUESTIONS?
Contact us with your ZooLights questions!
Thank You To Our Sponsors
Become a Sponsor
Align your brand with the Valley’s “brightest” holiday tradition!
For more information, contact Shannon Kinsman at skinsman@phoenixzoo.org
