Calgary Zoo Zoolights
Visitors can wander through more than one million lights featuring a glowing bamboo trail, burrowing owl displays, and sweet-themed scenes at Gumdrop Grove. The event includes the Merry & Bright Light Show with singing trees, walk-through gingerbread houses with firepits, and the Find Your Wild Maze. Guests can also take free rides on the Wildlife Carousel, try axe-throwing, and visit Santa at his Polar Palace.
See more Christmas events near Calgary
Plan Your Visit
Website / Tickets
When
Hours
ZOOLIGHTS: nightly 5:30–9:30 p.m.; last admission 9 p.m. Santa’s Polar Palace: nightly 5:30–9:30 p.m. through December 23, with member-exclusive access until 6:30 p.m. on November 16, 23, and 30 and December 7 and 14. Axe throwing: 5:30–9:30 p.m.; last entry to the queue 9:15 p.m. Wildlife Carousel: nightly 5:30–9:30 p.m.; last ride loads at 9:15 p.m.
Ages
All ages
Food & Drink
The Penguin Café, Kitamba Café and select food-and-beverage locations are scheduled to open nightly, though availability may vary with staffing and weather.
Parking
Parking at the North Gate is $14 through ParkPlus. 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.
Accessibility
Wheelchair rentals are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the North Gift Shop.
Going?
Location
Tips & Advice
- Buy tickets online in advance for savings and to skip the ticket line; earlier purchases generally offer greater savings.
- Check the weather and wear warm clothing and proper footwear to stay warm and safe outdoors.
- Allow about 90 minutes to experience ZOOLIGHTS and plan food stops around the seasonal locations scheduled to open.
- For axe throwing, bring an adult to sign the required waiver if a participant is under 18.
Special Events & Promotions
- Plan-Ahead Pricing offers savings for guests who buy ZOOLIGHTS tickets online in advance.
- Wonder Wednesdays offer discounted ZOOLIGHTS and Sunlight to ZOOLIGHTS tickets from November 18 through December 16.
- New Year’s Eve includes free kid-friendly activities, including the Wilder Bunch Performance Troupe and a crafting and colouring station.
- A Taste of ZOOLIGHTS food and beverage pass is sold as an add-on every Thursday.
- Sunlight to ZOOLIGHTS combines a daytime zoo visit with ZOOLIGHTS on one ticket.
Links & Contact
Run by Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I allow for ZOOLIGHTS?
Allow approximately 90 minutes to experience the event.
What can visitors see and do during ZOOLIGHTS?
Explore more than one million lights, the glowing bamboo trail, prairie-inspired displays, Find Your Wild Maze, Merry & Bright Light Show, gingerbread houses, winter games, and the Wildlife Carousel. Santa’s Polar Palace is open through December 23.
Where can I get food and drinks?
The North Gift Shop, Bamboo-tique, Penguin Café, Kitamba Café, and select food and beverage locations are scheduled to open nightly; availability can vary with staffing and weather.
Are there food or dining options that require a separate ticket or add-on?
The Taste of ZOOLIGHTS food and beverage pass is an add-on available Thursdays. Festive Feast and Holiday Brunch are separately ticketed experiences.
What accessibility supports are available?
Free sensory bags with headphones and a fidget spinner are available first-come, first-served at the North Gift Shop. Signage warns of flashing or moving lights and sounds, and wheelchair rentals are available first-come, first-served there.
Browse Christmas in Calgary
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.