Plan Your Visit
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.
ZOOLIGHTS
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Spend your afternoon exploring the zoo and visiting your favorite animals, then stick around to experience the wonder of ZOOLIGHTS in one unforgettable visit.
Sunlight to ZOOLIGHTS
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Make this year’s ZOOLIGHTS, presented by Olympia Trust Company, extra magical with a Snow Globe experience! Make festive memories in a private oasis surrounded by twinkling lights that will make any date night, friends’ night out, family celebration, or special occasion sparkle.
Snow Globes
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Enjoy a holiday-themed brunch with all the trimmings, including special seasonal décor, festive dishes, delicious desserts, and fun crafts for kids!
Festive Brunch
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Make your ZOOLIGHTS evening even more memorable with a combo ticket that includes admission and a hot, tasty dinner!
ZOOLIGHTS & Carve ‘N’ Go Combo
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Spend your afternoon exploring the zoo and visiting your favorite animals, then stick around to experience the wonder of ZOOLIGHTS in one unforgettable visit.
In between, 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.
Sunlight to ZOOLIGHTS & Carve ‘N’ Go Combo
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Make this holiday countdown one to remember with a combo ticket that includes admission to the zoo as of 1 p.m., access to the festive magic of ZOOLIGHTS after 5 p.m., and a festive feast to warm you up and fill your belly!
Sunlight to ZOOLIGHTS Holiday Feast
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Make this holiday countdown one to remember with a combo ticket that includes access to ZOOLIGHTS, presented by Olympia Trust Company, and a festive feast to warm you up and fill your belly! Wander through our enchanting light displays and take a break in cozy Safari Lodge to enjoy a delicious buffet.
ZOOLIGHTS Holiday Feast
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You’ll be able to enjoy all the fun of ZOOLIGHTS, presented by Olympia Trust Company, with extra special activities added to help you ring in the New Year – including numerous countdowns and a Zoo Year’s Eve light show so your little ones don’t have to stay up too late to partake in the fun!
Zoo Year’s Eve: Family Night
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We are keeping the lights on until midnight to celebrate the New Year! This Zoo Year’s Eve: Adult Night (18+) event, presented by Orange Frog, will include the beauty of ZOOLIGHTS, presented by Olympia Trust Company, and an extra special light show with a ball drop and countdown at midnight.
Zoo Year’s Eve: Adult Night (18+)
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Countdown with the whole family on a full belly with a combo ticket that includes access to Zoo Year’s Eve, presented by Orange Frog, and a festive buffet feast!
Zoo Year’s Eve: Family Feast
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Make your Zoo Year’s Eve, presented by Orange Frog, extra special by booking one of our Snow Globes. Enjoy your private winter oasis surrounded by the twinkling lights and colours of the Aurora Gardens in this one-of-a-kind experience.
Zoo Year’s Eve: Snow Globes
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What you need to know
Zoo Closure: December 25, 2024
The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo will be closed on Wednesday, December 25th, for both day admission and ZOOLIGHTS, presented by Olympia Trust Company. Normal operations will resume on December 26th. Thank you for your understanding.
Early Closure: December 31, 2024
On Tuesday, December 31st, last entry for day admission and members will be at 3 p.m. with grounds cleared at 4 p.m. to accommodate set up for our Zoo Year’s Eve event, presented by Orange Frog. Thank you for your understanding.
Outdoor Viewing Closures: Land of Lemurs Walkthrough and Gorilla Amphitheatre
Land of Lemurs Walkthrough & the outdoor Gorilla Amphitheatre will close for the season beginning on October 15. Lemurs and gorillas will be viewable in their indoor habitats.
Animal Viewing Impact: African Savannah Yard
Hartmann’s mountain zebras and ostriches will be off-view until early 2025 while we complete exciting upgrades in the African Savannah Yard, including the construction of a new Savannah Barn for the animals. Our giraffe tower will continue to be viewable throughout the project. Thank you for your understanding.
Public Notice
Pesticide application to control the invasive species Flowering Rush (Butomus umbellatus) will occur within the property boundary of the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo under approval from Alberta Environment and Protected Areas. For full details or information on appeals, click here.
Gift Shop Closure – January 6th-10th, 2025
Calgary Zoo gift shops will be closed on a rotational basis between January 6th and January 10th to conduct physical inventory. During that time access to powerchair, wheelchair and wagon rentals may be limited. During this time frame please inquire at Guest Relations ticket booths on availability.
Tickets
Plan Ahead and Save
By planning your visit in advance and purchasing your tickets online, you’ll find rates that make exploring our zoo even more accessible and affordable. Ticket prices vary from day to day and can be found anytime by clicking the buy tickets button below.
The further in advance you purchase tickets, the more you are likely to save!
Tickets
Memberships
Questions?
Animal Habitat Hours
When Can You See Our Animals?
Wild Canada – 9:00 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. (Last entry at 4:00 p.m.)
Destination Africa – 9:00 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
Exploration Asia – 9:00 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
ENMAX Conservatory – 9:00 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
Penguin Plunge – 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Last entry at 4:15 p.m.)
Gorilla Amphitheatre – Closed for the season.
Land of Lemurs – Closed for the season.
Prehistoric Park – Closed for the season.
Visitor information
Everything you need to know
You have questions, we have answers. Information on accessibility, shopping, parking, and more.
Find the Perfect Gift
Holiday Gift Guide
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.
Eat, Shop, Play
Something for everyone
There is lots to do besides visit the animals. Click through to discover what’s new at the zoo. It may surprise you.
Zoo Map
Thank you for supporting our sustainability initiatives by downloading our digital map.
Our Animal Zones
Habitats and Destinations
We are home to more than 4,000 animals from over 100 different species. Discover wild creatures and wild worlds through our immersive habitats.
Destination Africa
Meet the kings and queens of the animal kingdom. Discover gorillas, lions, and more when you step into the rainforest and the savannah.
Penguin Plunge
You don’t need to travel far to see four species of penguin. Watch them dive, swim, and play in this expansive habitat.
Exploration Asia
From grassy plains to the northern tundra, Asia is a continent full of incredible creatures designed to thrive in unique conditions.
Wild Canada
Canada is home to some of the world’s most incredible creatures. Whether you’re admiring our wolf pack or our whooping cranes, you’ll see Canada like never before.
Dorothy Harvie Gardens
There are more wild things than just animals. Stop and smell the roses, admire the many vibrant colours, and find a stunning backdrop for your photos.
ENMAX Conservatory & Butterflies
Animals aren’t the only living creatures at the zoo. Transport yourself to a tropical oasis with our botanical gardens and butterflies.
Prehistoric Park
Take a journey back in time. From the triceratops to the T-rex, discover the creatures that ruled the world.
