Holiday Gift Guide
Holiday Gift Guide
Something Special for Your Someone Special
The most wonderful time of the year is here, and we’re here to make your holiday shopping a breeze. Whether you’re searching for gifts that will make a loved one’s eyes sparkle or you’re treating yourself to something special, our Holiday Gift Guide has something for everyone. From gift cards to our Wild After Hours events to conservation donations in a loved one’s name, we’ve got your gifting needs covered.
Gift of More Zoo
Buy a gift card for your loved ones this holiday season that can be used throughout the Zoo, including daily admission and food.
Gift of Membership
Give the gift that keeps on giving – a gift card for unlimited access to the zoo. Zoo memberships provide 364 days of access and special perks.
Gift of Conservation
Give the gift of a symbolic adoption of a zoo species. Your gift helps us to provide exceptional care to over 4,000 animals.
Exclusive online only offers
Order Yours Today
We’re excited to introduce our newest holiday offering – festive gift boxes available exclusively for online order with easy pick-up! Each gift comes beautifully packaged in a cozy tartan-patterned box, ready to tuck under the tree. Every purchase helps fund important conservation work, supporting wildlife and wild places both locally and around the globe. This season, share the joy of giving back.
Shop When You Visit the Zoo
Gift Shop
Our North Gift Shop is fully stocked for the holiday season with many great offerings that make it easy for you to find the perfect gift. Here are some Christmas-themed suggestions for the loved ones in your lives.
*The Gift Shop does not accept online orders. All purchases must be made in store. While quantities last.
A Festive Collaboration
Milk Jar Candles
Fill your home with holiday cheer this season by picking up one of three exclusive candles from this festive collaboration between Milk Jar Candle Co. and the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo at our North Gift Shop.
Milk Jar is a locally grown Calgary company with a mission to build inviting and inclusive workspaces, create products free from toxic ingredients that are better for our planet, and to be a vehicle for giving back to the community.
All proceeds from every candle sold supports wildlife conservation.
Something for Everyone
Animal Themed Gifts
Treat the animal lover in your life with a memorable gift this holiday season. From cuddly plushies, puzzles, gifts for science lovers, apparel, and charming tea towels, our gift shop has something for every kid and adult in your life.
Stop by on your next zoo visit and find the perfect gift for everyone on your list, all in one place!
Brighten up the Tree
Animal Ornaments
Add a touch of extra cuteness to your tree this year with an animal ornament from our North Gift Shop. Each ornament not only brings a unique charm to your holiday décor but also makes a positive impact by supporting animal conservation. Stop by the North Gift Shop and collect them all in time for the holidays!
Get the Jump on Gift Giving
Gift a Zoo-nique Experience
Get ahead of the holiday rush, and treat your loved ones to a holiday experience at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. There’s nothing like spending quality time together under the magical twinkle of ZOOLIGHTS, presented by Olympia Trust Company.
Cool nights. Warm Lights.
ZOOLIGHTS
ZOOLIGHTS, presented by Olympia Trust Company, is set to be BIGGER, BRIGHTER, and BOLDER than ever before! Back for its 28th season, the city’s favourite sparkling spectacle is sure to ignite your festive spirit as the zoo transforms into a magical winter wonderland.
Experience the magic of twinkling lights and dazzling displays, where the festive spirit brings you closer to family, friends, and the heart of the community. With ice skating, axe throwing, delicious treats, animal facts, and more, there are so many memories to be made on chilly nights under the twinkling lights!
Snow. Glow. Whoah.
Snow Globes
Snow Globes are back to make your next romantic date night, friends’ night out, family celebration or other occasion seasonally special. Enjoy your private oasis surrounded by twinkling lights at this one-of-a-kind experience.
Your reservation includes admission to ZOOLIGHTS, presented by Olympia Trust Company, along with a one and a half hour Snow Globe rental and your selected food and beverage package.
Sparkling Lights. Tasty Bites.
Carve ‘N’ Go
Make your ZOOLIGHTS evening even more memorable with a combo ticket that includes admission and a hot, tasty dinner!
Enjoy either a delicious Chef Carved Alberta Striploin or a hearty vegetarian Chickpea Curry as you take a break from the cold in Kitamba Café.
This mouthwatering combo is available only by pre-ordering online!
When: November 15th – January 5th
Where: Kitamba Cafe
Time: 5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Price: $40.95
Festive Brunch
Enjoy a holiday-themed brunch with all the trimmings, including special seasonal décor, festive dishes, delicious desserts, and fun crafts for kids!
When: December 22nd & 29th, 2024
Adult Only Nights at the Zoo
Wild After Hours Gift Cards
The zoo comes alive at night with Wild After Hours (adults-only) events. Whether you’re looking for a romantic night out or a night of adventure with friends, one thing is for sure – it’ll be a night to remember. So don’t miss out! Buy a gift card for your loved ones this holiday season that can be used for any upcoming Wild After Hours event.
Get Your Game Face On
A Wild Night at the Dome
Support wildlife conservation this holiday season by gifting tickets to some action packed WHL hockey. We’ve partnered with the Calgary Hitmen for “A Wild Night at the Dome” where a part of the proceeds from ticket sales will be donated back to the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo.
When: February 7th, 2025 at 7 p.m.
Calgary Hitmen vs. Edmonton Oil Kings
The Gift for Everyone
Gift Cards
Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo gift cards are perfect for those who want to shop for themselves. They are valid for purchases throughout the zoo, including food, admission, and special events tickets such as ZOOLIGHTS, Adults-Only Nights, Safari Brunch, the Grazers Dining Series, and more.
Please note that zoo gift cards are not accepted at any retail/gift stores.
More Zoo for a Loved One
Gift a Membership
Give the gift that keeps on giving – a gift card for unlimited access to the zoo. Click here to explore the benefits of each level and select the best fit for your loved one.