Cool nights, warm lights

ZOOLIGHTS, presented by Olympia Trust Company, is accessible from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with the last admission to the park at 8:30 p.m.

It takes about 90 minutes to fully experience all that ZOOLIGHTS has to offer. 

Yes, you can visit with Santa by visiting the Santa Experience, presented by Servus Credit Union, inside the Skoki Classroom. Visits with Santa take place from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., starting November 15th through to December 23rd. 

Please note that Members will have exclusive access to the Santa Experience for the first four Mondays of ZOOLIGHTS (November 18th and 25th, and December 2nd and 9th) from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., during Member Mondays. Members will be asked to show their membership card at the door. General access to the Santa Experience will start at 6:00 p.m. on these dates.

Yes, the free outdoor skating rink, presented by the Calgary Hitmen, is back at the tent on the Asia Lawn. There are even free skate rentals available, courtesy of our friends at KidSport. The skating rink is open from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with the last entry to skate at 8:45 p.m. 

Yes, axe throwing, presented by Rival Axe Throwing, is back again on the Asia Lawn. This truly Canadian experience allows guests aged eight and above to take up to three free swings.  

Rival Axe Throwing is available on Fridays and Saturdays from November 15th to December 12th, 2024, and every night from December 13th, 2024, to January 5th, 2025 (excluding December 25th). Rival Axe Throwing is open from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with the last entry to the queue at 8:45 p.m. 

Please note that waivers for those under 18 need to be signed by an adult at the Rival Axe Throwing tent prior to throwing.  

Excel Homes is proudly sponsoring free carousel rides for ZOOLIGHTS visitors. Rides will take place nightly during ZOOLIGHTS from 5:00pm to 9:00 p.m., with the last ride loading at 8:45 p.m. 

Animal buildings are closed to the public during ZOOLIGHTS.

A full up to date list of building hours can be found on our Plan Your Visit page by clicking here.

Our retail shops* (North Gift Shop and Bamboo-tique) and concessions* (The Chocolate Bar, Penguin Café, Kitamba Café, Kitamba Java, Safari Snacks, Camel Canteen, and Tigers Den) will be open nightly during ZOOLIGHTS.

*Subject to change based on staffing and weather.

Fire pits will once again be in place around the zoo as spots to warm fingers and toes. There are seven fire pits in total – five for the general public, and two in private event spaces. 

We want everyone to be able to enjoy the magic of ZOOLIGHTS in a way that works best for them. Returning this year, our sensory-sensitive guests can access a Sensory Bag (free of charge) with supplies to help improve their ZOOLIGHTS experience. These bags include headphones, a fidget spinner, and more. We have also added more on park signage ahead of flashing or moving lights and sounds, so our sensory-sensitive guests are not caught off–guard.  

Sensory Bags can be picked up at the North Gift Shop upon your arrival at the zoo. First come first serve.

On four select Mondays during ZOOLIGHTS (November 18th and 25th, and December 2nd and 9th) from 5:00pm to 6:00pm, our Wild Scout, Wild Explorer, and Wild Adventurer members are invited to enjoy exclusive access to visit with Santa in Santa’s Cabin, presented by Servus Credit Union (located inside Skoki Classroom).

Please note:

• Wild Adventurers have two complimentary tickets to ZOOLIGHTS and a 50% discount off additional tickets for the member (card holder) only.  Wild Adventurers can redeem their complimentary tickets with Guest Relations over the phone, via email, or in person. Complimentary tickets cannot be redeemed through online accounts. Email requests should be sent at least 2 days prior to the intended visit to ensure there is enough time for it to be processed.

• Wild Explorers and Wild Scouts receive a one-time 50% discount on a ZOOLIGHTS admission ticket. Wild Access Pass holders do not receive any ZOOLIGHTS benefit.

• To access the discounts, members must log into their online membership account. If you are unsure of your membership/account login, DO NOT create a new login, please email TicketandMembership@CalgaryZoo.com for assistance.

Wheelchair rentals are available on a first–come, first–served basis. Please inquire at the North Gift Shop for a rental. 

Yes, the zoo is closed for day admission and ZOOLIGHTS on December 25th, 2024 (Christmas Day).

ZOOLIGHTS will be closed to the public and members on November 26th for a private event.

Additionally, Zoo Year’s Eve (December 31, 2024) is a separately ticketed event. Regular ZOOLIGHTS tickets, zoo passes, or complimentary admission tickets will not be accepted for admission on this night.

Parking will be $13 at the North Gate.

Registered Wild Explorer and Wild Adventurer members receive free parking at the zoo from 8:45 a.m. until one hour past zoo closure, which includes extended hours for ZOOLIGHTS and special events.

In the event of a weather-related cancellation, your ZOOLIGHTS ticket will be exchanged for an alternative date. Guests who purchased tickets for the affected day will receive an email with details on the cancellation and available options.

If ZOOLIGHTS is cancelled, the ZOOLIGHTS portion of your ticket will be exchanged for an alternative visitation day, following the existing process for ZOOLIGHTS. Guests who have purchased tickets for the affected day will receive an email with details about the cancellation and their options.

Yes, discounted admission to the zoo is provided to those with a valid Fee Assistance card. Tickets must be purchased at the gate. To learn more and see if you qualify, visit the City of Calgary’s website or contact Guest Relations.

The Sunlight to ZOOLIGHTS combo ticket is a special offer that allows you to visit both the zoo during that afternoon and ZOOLIGHTS in a single discounted ticket. It offers an exciting and cost effective way to enjoy multiple experiences in one day.

This combo ticket is available for purchase online and at the main ticket gate. Tickets can be accessed via this page and the Plan Your Visit page.

No, the combo ticket bundle is valid for a single-day visit. Once visitors enter the experience, they cannot return on a different day.

Combo tickets are available for purchase online anytime, and in person from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. for same-day visits.

To make the most of your Combo ticket, we suggest allowing at least 2 hours to explore the zoo grounds and at least 90 minutes to enjoy ZOOLIGHTS. That said, your Combo ticket grants entry to the zoo anytime from 1:00 p.m., so you can customize your visit based on your schedule!

Please note:

• The last entry to Wild Canada is at 4:00 p.m.
• The last entry to Penguin Plunge is at 4:15 p.m.
• The last entry to all other animal buildings is at 4:45 p.m.
• ZOOLIGHTS begins at 5:00 p.m.

Please note:

• The last entry to Wild Canada is at 4:00 p.m.
• The last entry to Penguin Plunge is at 4:15 p.m.
• The last entry to all other animal buildings is at 4:45 p.m.
• ZOOLIGHTS begins at 5:00 p.m.

A full up to date list of building hours can be found on our Plan Your Visit page by clicking here.

The general admission ticket options includes a senior option, and the combo ticket accounts for this.

No, this ticket is only available at the prices that have been set.

No, Membership admission discount applies to general admission tickets only.

No, the tickets are not transferable or refundable.

Please connect with Guest Relations to confirm the value of the upgrade.

From November 15th – January 5th, 2025, guests who purchase daily admission tickets will be able to enter the zoo from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., with the ability to stay on-park until 5 p.m.

Guests are welcome to purchase a day admission ticket and enter the zoo by 1 p.m.; visitors arriving after 1 p.m. will be required to purchase a Sunlight to ZOOLIGHTS combo ticket.

From November 15th – January 5th, 2025, guests who purchase daily admission tickets will be able to enter the zoo from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.  If you wish to enter the zoo after 1 p.m. guests are required to purchase a Sunlight to ZOOLIGHTS combo ticket.

Members are welcome to visit in the afternoon with final entry until 3 p.m.; with entry after 3 p.m. requiring a ZOOLIGHTS ticket purchase. 

From November 15th – January 5th, 2025, guests who purchase daily admission tickets will be able to enter the zoo from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.  If you wish to enter the zoo after 1: p.m., you can reach out to Guest Relations at (403) 232-9300 to upgrade to a Sunlight to ZOOLIGHTS ticket.

Yes, please reach out to the Guest Relations team at (403) 232-9300 to upgrade to a Sunlight to ZOOLIGHTS ticket. 

Plan-ahead pricing for the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo involves lower rates for ZOOLIGHTS admission tickets and Sunlight to ZOOLIGHTS combo tickets for visitors who purchase their tickets online in advance of their visit.

The zoo’s pricing calendar, found on our ZOOLIGHTS ticketing page, and Sunlight to ZOOLIGHTS combo ticketing page, lists the price for each day the zoo is currently selling tickets for. Guests are urged to explore the calendar to find a day that fits both their schedule and their budget. Click the date you want to visit to purchase the tickets for that day.

Please note that prices may change daily, so you must lock-in the price by purchasing online.

By planning ahead and booking in advance, you can save on ticket costs when compared to day of pricing at our ticket gates. This provides more flexibility and choice in planning your ZOOLIGHTS visit.

1. Visit the ZOOLIGHTS ticketing page or Sunlight to ZOOLIGHTS ticketing page.
2. Click on the day you wish to visit. The further you purchase in advance, the more you save!
3. Choose your tickets
4. Click “Continue” and check out

Tickets will generally cost more on the day of a visit, so buying even a day in advance may save you money. Typically, the further ahead you buy a ticket, the more you’ll save.

No. The price of your admission will increase as you approach your preferred day of visit, so it is always best to buy your ticket in advance.

Tickets are non-refundable. For any further questions please reach out to Guest Relations at (403) 232-9300.

For those coming in a group of 50 or more, a 20% discount is available.

Please contact our Guest Relations team at (403) 232-9300 for details. Group tickets are not eligible to use towards a membership. ZOOLIGHTS admission, or other special events.

Please contact our Guest Relations team at (403) 232-9300 for support.