More than one million lights will illuminate the Calgary Zoo next month as ZOOLIGHTS returns to celebrate its 30th anniversary. This year’s event will feature new walk-through gingerbread houses, a glowing bamboo trail and interactive activities spread throughout the grounds.
Here’s a closer look at what’s happening this year, along with ticket prices, event hours and the special experiences available to book.
What to expect at ZOOLIGHTS 2026
What is ZOOLIGHTS?
If you’ve never experienced ZOOLIGHTS before, it’s an annual holiday event hosted at the Calgary Zoo that transforms the grounds into a colourful display of illuminated decorations and holiday activities.
According to the Calgary Zoo, ZOOLIGHTS is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year and will feature more than one million lights throughout the zoo, along with new additions like walk-through gingerbread houses and a glowing bamboo trail.
What can I see while I’m there?
There will be several displays and activities to check out during ZOOLIGHTS, including colourful light shows and new installations. The Calgary Zoo’s website has a map that shows you where each attraction is located, so you can make sure that you don’t miss anything.
Here’s what you can look forward to this year:
- The Merry and Bright Light Show
- The Merry and Bright Light Show is presented by TC Energy and features singing trees and illuminated projections outside Kitamba Café.
- Find Your Wild Maze
- Make your way through the Find Your Wild Maze; you can navigate twists and turns and discover animal surprises along the way.
- Santa’s Polar Palace
- Head over to Santa’s Polar Palace, where you’ll have an opportunity to meet the man in red and snap a holiday photo.
- Gumdrop Grove
- Located in the Holiday Gardens, Gumdrop Grove features glowing orbs and oversized, candy-inspired lights.
- Adventure Zone
- New this year, the Adventure Zone will feature walk-through gingerbread houses, winter games, free axe throwing, and fire pits.
- Wildlife Carousel
- Take a spin on the Wildlife Carousel, which runs until 9:15 p.m. each night.
- Tales From the Prairie
- You can walk through a prairie-inspired display where burrowing owls are illuminated in green and gold lighting.
- Brilliant Bamboo Trail
- Another new addition to this year’s event is the Brilliant Bamboo Trail, featuring a stretch of bamboo-inspired light displays.
What other experiences can you book at ZOOLIGHTS?
In addition to the main light displays and holiday attractions, you can also book special experiences for an additional cost. These events require a separate booking and aren’t included with regular ZOOLIGHTS admission.
- Taste of ZOOLIGHTS
- If you’re looking to grab a bite during the event, the Taste of ZOOLIGHTS food pass lets you sample festive snacks and drinks from participating food spots around the zoo. It’s available on Thursdays and can be added to your ZOOLIGHTS ticket at checkout.
- Festive Feast
- You can warm up indoors with a buffet dinner at Kitamba Café and Safari Lodge, before heading back out to the event.
- Snow Globes
- Private Snow Globes will also be available for reservation during the event. The globes are surrounded by colourful lights and are a great spot to grab a meal with friends or family. Your reservation includes ZOOLIGHTS admission, the Snow Globe rental and a selected menu package.
What should I know before visiting ZOOLIGHTS?
Most of the light displays are set up outdoors, and since Calgary winters can get chilly, it’s recommended that you dress for the weather and wear comfortable footwear.
Animal buildings will be closed to the public during the event, so plan to spend your visit exploring the light displays instead.
When is ZOOLIGHTS?
ZOOLIGHTS will run from Friday, Nov. 13, 2026 to Jan. 3, 2027, so you’ll have nearly two months to check out the attraction.
The event runs nightly from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., with last entry at 9 p.m.
ZOOLIGHTS will be closed on Nov. 17, Nov. 24, and Christmas Day, Dec. 25, 2026, so keep that in mind when planning your visit.
How much are ZOOLIGHTS tickets?
Ticket prices vary depending on the date you choose and when you purchase them. The zoo offers advance online tickets through its Plan-Ahead Pricing system, with prices starting at $17 per person on select dates.
The Calgary Zoo is also offering ticket packages if you want to add to your experience. The Sunlight to ZOOLIGHTS combo ticket includes daytime admission and entry to ZOOLIGHTS that evening, plus the Lights and Heights pass, which combines ZOOLIGHTS admission with a visit to the Calgary Tower.
Keep in mind that tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable, so double-check your selected date before completing your purchase.
With ZOOLIGHTS turning 30 this year and so many new attractions to check out, it’s a great opportunity to see what’s changed since your last visit or experience the event for the first time.
When: Running on select dates from Friday, Nov. 13 to Sunday, Jan. 3, 2026
Time: 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (gates close at 9 p.m)
Where: Calgary Zoo – 210 St. George’s Dr. NE, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Price varies depending on date
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Kaiya Williams
Kaiya is a Calgary-based writer and content creator with a background in marketing and digital storytelling. She has a passion for community-driven stories and covering local experiences that connect people.
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