SF’s “ZooLights” w/ Frozen Forest Back for First Time in 8 Years
San Francisco Zoo & Gardens is back with an all-new, two-month-long ZooLights evening holiday program that will light up the Zoo in spectacular fashion from November 6, 2026 through January 3, 2027.
The nighttime event represents the return of ZooLights – which the Zoo last hosted in 2018 – for the first time in 8 years.
ZooLights opens to the public on Friday, November 6 and runs through Sunday, January 3, 2027 operating from 5:30 to 9 p.m. each night and is a separate ticket from daytime Zoo admission. ZooLights will be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays until December 16, when the event will be open daily.
Admission is $30 adults 12 and over, and $21 child (ages 2-11). Zoo Members receive $3 discount from both adult and child admission. Parking rates remain standard for weekday and weekends. Tickets will be available both in-person, online and via the Zoo app.
There are 14 dazzling zones, with winter, botanical or animal-themed components
In addition to traditional holiday zones, where guests will walk through awe-inspiring lighted tunnels and stroll among giant candy canes, giant ornaments and gift boxes, there’s an entire frozen zone, with 10-foot-tall icicles, sparkling snowflakes, a frozen forest, a massive ice throne and frozen sleigh for that perfect family photo.
Overall, ZooLights will have more than one million lights, and the walk-through areas include amazing photo ops, and nods to the City of San Francisco with a Golden Gate Bridge and the iconic cable car.
Whimsical animal shapes and scenes will dot the landscape, using 2D and 3D illuminations of a rhino and gorilla, even a tree full of ring-tailed lemurs. Vibrantly colored, larger-than-life butterflies are part of an enchanting botanical pathway, as guests navigate under a large floral archway past 12-foot-tall flowers, motion-activated flowers, and a stunning butterfly wing photo op.
A family favorite harkens to the Zoo’s historic miniature steam train, with a festively lit 3D train and holiday-lit railroad crossing signs, while the Neon Zoo showcases charming neon animal displays and scenes, including penguins and sea lions. Other zones will feature interactive play equipment, like lighted swings and seesaws, and even a giant tic tac toe game.
One of the most dynamic and memorable areas is the incorporation of lighting with the Dinos Rule! exhibition, which was recently extended until January 3 from its original end date of September 12. The dinosaur experience will be elevated with immersive lighting, vibrant landscapes and interactive elements including pathway lighting and uplighting, creating a dramatic experience with the life-sized, animatronic dinosaur models.
The Zoo has enlisted Shine Creations, a Southern California-based, full-service holiday and event lighting, to transform the Zoo for the holidays.
Throughout the run of the holiday lights program, special holiday food and beverage will be offered, and both the restaurant and gift shop will be open.
Over the course of the holiday program, special themed events will take place most Fridays and Saturdays.
Prelimary lineup of special events
- Friday, November 13 – Bingo Night
- Saturday, November 14 – Silent Disco
- Friday, November 20 – Trivia Night
- Saturday, November 21 – Family Techno Glow Rave
- Friday, December 4 – Star Wars Night
- Friday & Saturday, December 11 & 12 – Santa Claus
- Friday & Saturday, December 18 & 19 – Santa Claus and Dickens Carolers
About San Francisco Zoo & Gardens
Established in 1929, San Francisco Zoo & Gardens connects people to wildlife, inspires caring for nature and advances conservation action. An urban oasis, the Zoo & Gardens is home to nearly 1,500 exotic, endangered and rescued animals representing up to 200 species as well as seven distinct gardens full of native and unusual plants. Located at the edge of the Pacific Ocean where the Great Highway meets Sloat Boulevard. Visit www.sfzoo.org for more information.
