Every holiday season in Calgary, there’s one tradition I eagerly anticipate: a visit to ZooLights at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. From November 15, 2024, to January 5, 2025, this event transforms the zoo into a dazzling wonderland that warms the heart, even on the coldest winter nights. Let me walk you through my experience and why this is a must-see for everyone embracing the holiday spirit.
The atmosphere is nothing short of magical from the moment you step into ZooLights. The Festive Forest greets you like a page out of a storybook. There’s something incredibly charming about wandering among playful elves and snapping an “Elfie Selfie” with Santa’s Sleigh. It’s silly and joyous and sets the perfect tone for the evening. This area feels exceptional, as if you’re stepping into a world where holiday magic is real.
Lemur Tales is another favourite of mine. Here, the leafy lights and art installations whisk you away to a Madagascan forest, and it’s not just about the visuals. An educational aspect enriches the experience, offering little nuggets of knowledge about these fascinating creatures as you stroll through.
However, the real showstopper for me this year was the Discovery Bridge. Imagine standing over water while colourful lights reflect in mesmerizing patterns below. It’s a moment of pure, serene beauty that feels almost like a meditation amidst the hustle and bustle of the season.
Then there’s the Savannah Sparkle, which is like wandering into a scene from The Lion King but charged with holiday sparkle. The vibrant lights in the colours of the African sunset and the glowing drum display make you pause in awe.
Of course, ZooLights isn’t just about admiring the scenery. The activities are part of what makes the night so memorable. Ice skating adds a classic winter element, while the axe throwing was an unexpected delight. Something about hurling an axe (safely, of course) into a target surrounded by twinkling lights felt liberating and fun—definitely a personal highlight.
The ENMAX Conservatory is a perfect refuge when the cold becomes too much. Walking through the Garden of Lights, surrounded by hanging canopies of twinkling lights, feels magical. It’s a space of wonder and warmth where you can capture unforgettable photos.
But perhaps my favourite moment was riding the Zoo carousel at night, enveloped by a sea of sparkling Christmas lights. There’s something inherently nostalgic about it that makes you feel like a kid again, filled with wonder and joy in the simplest of times.
ZooLights is not just a family affair—it’s also perfect for a date night. Sharing a hot chocolate under the beautiful lights or riding the carousel side by side creates a romantic, festive ambiance that’s hard to beat.
For those planning to experience the magic, consider buying your tickets online for easy check-in, and don’t forget to dress warmly.
ZooLights offers a variety of pricing options to accommodate different budgets. General admission is $21.95 for ages 16 and up and $14.95 for children ages 3 to 15. For a more private experience, the Snow Globe Experience starts at $180, with meal options like the Cozy Cookie Package for $40 and the Enchanted Winter Feast for $110.
On select Sundays, a festive brunch at Safari Lodge is available for $69.95 for adults, $43.95 for children, and $67.95 for seniors, with infants eating for free. Additionally, the Carve ‘N’ Go Dining option at Kitamba Café offers meals such as Alberta Striploin for $40.95, which includes admission. Wild Adventurer members also receive two complimentary ZooLights tickets and a 50% discount on additional tickets for the member (cardholder) only.
Ultimately, ZooLights offers something unique beyond the glow of its millions of twinkling bulbs. It’s an invitation to pause and rediscover the childlike awe that often gets buried in the hustle of daily life.
Whether you’re embarking on this adventure for the first time or returning as part of a beloved tradition, ZooLights crafts an enchanting narrative that lingers in your memory. It’s a seasonal symphony, played not just in lights and shadows but in heartbeats and shared smiles—a testament to the beauty of simply being together.
