WildLights at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Guests explore the zoo after dark amidst millions of holiday lights, a Tunnel of Lights, a 30-foot Christmas tree, and an illuminated G-scale model train. Strolling along the African Safari pathways offers opportunities to view animals such as rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and African painted dogs. Visitors can also toast s'mores at the fire pits, enjoy seasonal food and drinks, and take festive photos with holiday characters.
Nov 24 – Dec 30, 2026
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Plan Your Visit
Tickets
General admission $25; member ticket $23; child ticket for ages 3–17 $20; children under 3 free. Daytime Zoo admission plus WildLights bundle: $64.95 per adult and $49.95 per child ages 3–17. Members receive $2 off adult admission. Both humans and dogs need an event ticket for Jingle Pups.
Hours
6:00pm–9:00pm; last admission at 8:30pm. WildLights guests may enter beginning at 6 p.m.; daytime Zoo visitors must exit by 5 p.m.
Ages
All ages (Adults Only Night on Dec 18)
Neighborhood
Palm Desert
Food & Drink
Guests can toast marshmallows at the s’mores station or get dinner at Bighorn Cafe; beer, wine, and specialty cocktails are available to guests 21 and older.
Parking
Parking is free in the Zoo parking lot, which can fill quickly on busy nights. Allow additional time and carpool when possible. Overflow parking is on Portola Avenue, Haystack Avenue and Buckboard Avenue. Follow neighborhood parking restrictions, barricades and signage, and drop off guests quickly near the front gate.
Accessibility
The zoo features wide, paved pathways throughout the park, making the event accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
Pets
Non-service animals are not allowed on the main WildLights nights. Guests may bring dogs on Jingle Pups, December 10; dogs and humans both need event tickets.
Location
Tips & Advice
- Reserve in advance because capacity is limited, and choose carefully since tickets are valid only for the date purchased and are non-refundable.
- Arrive with extra time for parking; the Zoo lot can fill quickly, and overflow parking is on Portola Avenue, Haystack Avenue, and Buckboard Avenue.
- On December 10, bring a ticket for your dog as well as for each human attending Jingle Pups.
- Use the wide, paved pathways for wheelchairs or strollers, and remember that rental equipment is available first come, first served.
- Dress for an all-weather event and consider the amplified music and twinkling lights when planning for sensory needs.
Special Events & Promotions
- Children under 3 enter free.
- Members receive a discount on adult admission.
- Members have an exclusive preview night on November 23.
- Jingle Pups dog night is December 10; both dogs and humans need event tickets.
- Adults-only night for guests 18 and older is December 17.
Links & Contact
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
Should I reserve WildLights tickets in advance?
Advance reservations are recommended because capacity is limited each night. Tickets are valid only for the specific date purchased and are non-refundable.
What can visitors see and do during WildLights?
Explore light displays and walk-through exhibits, see animals along the African Safari pathways, and visit the Tunnel of Lights, the Christmas tree, and the model train. Santa photos are offered through December 24, with Grinch photos from December 26–30.
Where can I get food and drinks?
Toast marshmallows for s’mores at Pronghorn Picnic Place or get dinner at Bighorn Cafe. Select concessions are open, and beer, wine, and specialty cocktails are available to guests 21 and older.
Are the pathways accessible for wheelchairs and strollers?
The Zoo has wide, paved pathways for wheelchairs and strollers, though heavy crowds may occur. Wheelchairs, strollers, and electric convenience vehicles are available to rent first come, first served.
Can I bring a dog, and are there sensory considerations?
Non-service animals are not allowed on the main nights. Dogs may attend Jingle Pups on December 10, with a ticket required for both dog and human. The event has amplified music and twinkling lights.
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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.