Attraction, Winter

Zoo Lights

  • When: November 23, 2018, to January 5, 2019 (excluding Christmas Day)
  • Time: 6 – 9 pm (no admission after 8:30 pm)
  • Where: Calgary Zoo.
  • Address: 210 St. George’s Drive NE, Calgary, AB.
  • Admission: Children 3-14 $14.95, General 16+ $19.95
  • Website: www.calgaryzoo.com
  • Direct link on the Zoo’s website: Link
  • Photos on Daily Hive: Link
  • YouTube video from user notenufwow during the 2016 Zoo Lights: Link
Expect lines, but remember there are ticket kiosks at both the main entrance and inside at the train station entrance

The grounds of the Zoo along with the Enmax Conservatory are transformed with 2 million lights into a Christmas wonderland.  Beginning in 1997 running from the last weekend in November to the first in January, each night the Zoo closes at 6pm and then reopens with a Christmas Light show like no other.  

Promotional video from the Calgary Zoo, this does not belong to me

For the first fourteen years I lived here I never went to Zoo lights.  I’d just pictured Christmas lights and didn’t think much of it. Well when our daughter was born we were starting new traditions for us and her.  Zoo lights has become a tradition for us like many other Calgary families. We always go two days before Christmas regardless of if its a cold year or a mild year.  Parking can be crazy but the Zoo has a well designed lot and no matter where you park it’s not too far to the gates (because of it’s fan like layout).

I like to think this is a festive Ogopogo

First off this isn’t just some lights thrown around, there is a lot of effort made for presentation and artistic display.  There are also fire pits to enjoy hot chocolate by, ice skating inside a giant tent to protect you from the potential winds.  Next at the conservatory is Santa Claus along with a themed exhibit. One year that was a sugar plum forest, complete with fairies.  

This year the Zoo has an all new exhibit …

“”Wander both indoors and out with the ENMAX Conservatory activities and displays featuring Snow White, the evil queen and the seven stewards of the forest. Throughout our magically decorated topical oasis and surrounding gardens, you’ll find a Giant Gingerbread House, an Enchanted Forest, an Apple Wishing Tree, our Sustainability Factory with craft stations and Santa himself.”

Except from https://www.todocanada.ca/city/calgary/event/zoo-lights/

Note: These were not the real penguins dressed up with electric lights

If you go remember your mittens or gloves, dress in layers and expect it to be busy with lots of strollers (we’ll be with one of them).  There will likely be Zoo Lights themed merchandise to buy along with the regular gift shop being open.

Our daughter has enjoyed it every year