ZooLights
The countdown to the holidays is officially on! Our all-new ZooLights winter holiday program, lights up the Zoo from November 6, 2026 through January 3, 2027 (open Wednesday – Sunday).
What to Expect
For the first time since 2018, this year’s nighttime spectacular is bigger and more dazzling than ever! With over one million lights across 14 unique zones—including glowing 3D animal installations, an immersive “frozen” zone for family photos, interactive light-up playgrounds, and a dramatically illuminated look at our extended Dinos Rule! exhibition—this will be an experience to remember!
Admission
This is a separate ticket from a general admission daytime Zoo ticket
Rates
- Adult: $30
- Child (2 – 11): $21
- Parking rates are standard weekday and weekend rates
- SF Zoo Members receive a $3 discount on both adult and child rates
Additional details
- Ticket box office and same-day online ticket sales closes at 7:45pm (Sunday – Thursday) and 8:45pm (Friday and Saturday)
- Ticket entry times end at 8:00pm (Sunday – Thursday) and 9:00pm (Friday and Saturday)
- Re-entry allowed until 8:00pm (Sunday – Thursday) and 9:00pm (Friday and Saturday)
Each ticket is valid for one-time use on any date during the run of the exhibition. Reservations are not required. Tickets can be purchased in person and online.
Know before you go
Find key details below.
ZooLights will run from November 6, 2026 – January 3, 2027 with the following hours of operation:
- Mondays: Closed* (available for private event rentals only thru Dec 15)
- Tuesdays: Closed* (available for private event rentals only thru Dec 15)
- Wednesdays: 5:30pm – 9pm
- Thursdays: 5:30pm – 9pm
- Fridays: 5:30pm –10pm
- Saturdays: 5:30pm –10pm
- Sundays: 5:30pm – 9pm
Rides Hours: 5:45pm to 8:30pm (Sunday – Thursday) and 9:30pm (Friday and Saturday). All rides open.
Gift Shop Hours:
- Sundays – Thursdays: 5:30pm to 9pm
- Fridays & Saturdays: 5:30pm to 10pm
Dinosaur Pop-Up Retail Shop:
- Sundays – Thursdays: 5:30pm to 8:15pm
- Fridays & Saturdays: 5:30pm to 9:15pm
Find special food and beverage carts around the park serving holiday classics! Treat yourself to hot chocolate, warm apple cider, donut holes, warm pretzels, and much more!
Restaurant Hours:
- Sundays – Thursdays: 5:30pm to 8:30pm
- Fridays & Saturdays: 5:30pm to 9:30pm
For other questions, please refer to our Plan Your Visit page below. There, you can find answers to bringing outside food and beverages, and much more!
What if it rains on the day of my visit?
If weather impacts the ability of opening on any particular night, cancellation will be determined 24 hours in advance. If you purchased a ticket in advance, you will be notified by our guest services department. Tickets can be used for other ZooLights dates without the need for refunding or exchanging. Please contact guestservices@sfzoo.org with questions.
Private event rentals
This holiday season, host your event at ZooLights! This one-of-a-kind holiday setting is available on select Monday & Tuesday evenings from November 9 – December 15.
