Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo
Guests can explore illuminated light treks including the Painted Jungle, Rainbow Forest, and a festive holiday pathway at the Polar Bear Plunge. Entertainment throughout the park features brass music, strolling carolers, a holiday a cappella quartet, and Santa's high-flying acrobatic elves. Families can also interact with costumed zoo characters and visit Santa's Factory for holiday photos.
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Plan Your Visit
Website / Tickets
When
Tickets
Jungle Bells activities are included with all admission tickets and memberships.
Hours
Jungle Bells lights up the night until 8 p.m. Santa’s Factory: November 27–29, noon–6 p.m.; December 5–6, December 12–13, and December 24, noon–4 p.m.; December 18–23 and December 25, noon–8 p.m. Other activity and performance times listed include 3, 3:30, 4, 4:30, 5, 5:30, 6, 6:30, and 7 p.m.; the light pathways are continuous from 5–8 p.m.
Ages
All ages
Parking
Parking is first-come, first-served; Zoo members receive complimentary parking after registering their vehicle. A complimentary shuttle runs on select days from Inspiration Point.
Accessibility
Dedicated parking, accessible habitats, and an on-call ADA shuttle accommodating wheelchairs and ECVs are available, though some zoo areas have steep grades.
Going?
Location
Tips & Advice
- Use public transportation via Rapid 215 or Route 7, which stop at the Zoo and connect with downtown transit.
- Register your vehicle through the Member Parking Portal if you are a member and want complimentary Zoo parking.
- Consider the Inspiration Point shuttle on select days; member parking benefits do not apply to that lot.
- Use the Zoo map to find ADA pathways and elevators, and request the on-call ADA shuttle from a Zoo team member if needed.
- Plan Santa’s Factory as a separate stop on one of its listed dates, since it does not operate throughout all Jungle Bells dates.
Special Events & Promotions
- Members-only Exclusive Member Preview on December 18.
- Santa is at Santa’s Factory December 18–23 and December 25.
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
Who is Jungle Bells suited for?
The celebration is for the whole family, with activities for all ages.
Do I need a separate ticket for Jungle Bells activities?
Jungle Bells activities are included with all admission tickets and memberships.
What can visitors see and do during the event?
Explore illuminated light pathways, including the Painted Jungle, Rainbow Forest, a festive forest path, interactive light experiences, holiday performances, and Santa’s Factory on its listed dates.
Where can I meet Santa or take a photo?
Santa’s Factory in Treetops Plaza offers visits and photos with Santa on its listed dates.
What transportation and accessible services are available at the Zoo?
Rapid 215 and Route 7 stop at the Zoo. Dedicated parking, restrooms, and accessible routes are available, and an on-call ADA shuttle serves guests with mobility-related disabilities.
Browse Christmas in San Diego
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.