ZooLights
Visitors explore 14 illuminated zones featuring glowing 3D animal installations, interactive light-up playgrounds, and a dramatically lit Dinos Rule! exhibition. Families can pose for photos in an immersive frozen zone and enjoy open zoo rides throughout the evening. Seasonal food carts across the park serve treats like hot chocolate, warm apple cider, donut holes, and warm pretzels.
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Plan Your Visit
Website / Tickets
When
Tickets
Adult: $30; child (ages 2–11): $21. San Francisco Zoo members receive a $3 discount on both adult and child rates; no other discounts apply to ZooLights tickets. Parking is charged at standard weekday and weekend rates. ZooLights admission requires a separate ticket from a general admission daytime Zoo ticket.
Hours
Wednesdays and Thursdays: 5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays: 5:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.; Sundays: 5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Food & Drink
Holiday food and beverage carts serve hot chocolate, warm apple cider, donut holes, and warm pretzels; restaurant dining is also available.
Parking
Parking rates are standard weekday and weekend rates.
Going?
Location
Tips & Advice
- Buy a separate ZooLights ticket rather than relying on daytime admission, since the event requires its own admission.
- No reservation is required, and each ticket can be used once on any date during the event run, so choose a convenient operating date.
- Arrive before ticket entry closes: entry ends at 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
- If you are a San Francisco Zoo member, use the $3 discount on adult or child admission; no other discounts apply.
- Keep an eye on the forecast: weather cancellations are decided 24 hours ahead, and advance ticket holders are notified by guest services.
Special Events & Promotions
- San Francisco Zoo members receive a discount on adult and child ZooLights tickets.
- A new nighttime spectacular is presented this year, for the first time since 2018.
- Private event rentals are available on select Monday and Tuesday evenings from November 9 through December 15.
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 website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to reserve a date for ZooLights?
Reservations are not required. Each ticket is valid for one visit on any date during the event run, and tickets can be bought online or in person.
Is ZooLights suitable for children, and what can they do?
The event features glowing animal installations, an interactive light-up playground, a frozen zone for family photos and the illuminated Dinos Rule! exhibition. Children aged 2–11 have child admission.
Are rides operating during ZooLights?
All rides are open during ZooLights, with ride availability ending earlier than the event on some evenings.
What food and drink are available during the event?
Food and beverage carts around the park serve hot chocolate, warm apple cider, donut holes, warm pretzels and other holiday treats. The restaurant is also open during the event.
What happens if weather prevents the event from opening?
A weather-related cancellation is decided 24 hours in advance. Advance ticket holders are notified by guest services, and tickets can be used on another ZooLights date without a refund or exchange.
Browse Christmas in San Francisco
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.