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Event Overview
november 12 – January 11, 2026 from 4:30 to 8:30 PM
Overview
See the Zoo in a whole new light! ZooLights is back with all-new light displays. Enjoy this immersive holiday experience featuring thousands of handcrafted silk-covered lanterns aglow with more than 50,000 LED bulbs. Walk through the Zoo and enjoy the illuminated lanterns showcasing animal and nature scenes that represent wild places from around the world. See FAQ for more info.
Cost
Prices range from $22 to $36 (including service fees), depending on peak or non-peak dates. Parking is $11/vehicle, free for SB Zoo Members. Not a Santa Barbara Zoo Member? Become a Member today!
ZooLights is held rain or shine; tickets are non-refundable.
ZooLights Schedule & Pricing
Non-Peak Nights
children under 2 are free
Peak Nights
children under 2 are free
NEW! Toyota Tuesdays
If you're driving a Toyota to ZooLights on a Toyota Tuesday, everyone in your car gets a coupon for a free hot chocolate!
NEW! Adult Nights, Nov. 20 & Dec. 18
$34/Adult (ages 21+), $32/Adult SBZ Member (ages 21+)
Group pricing is available when purchasing 20 tickets or more for $2 off the General Admission prices. A $2/ticket service fee will be added at checkout.
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New! Adult Nights
November 20 & December 18 from 4:30 to 8:30 PM
Enjoy the sparkling holiday lights without the kids! Listen to live music, then strike a pose at the festive photo booth – all part of the dazzling ZooLights experience made for adults only. Admission ticket includes beer and wine tastings on the hilltop from local vendors. Additional cocktails and food are available for purchase.
For guests 21+ only.
Participating vendors include: Cutler's Artisan Spirits, Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company, Firestone Walker Brewing Company, High Seas Mead, Honest Abe, Institution Ale, M. Special, Single Fin Cider, Topa Topa Brewing Co., Toussaint Cellars, and Zaca Mesa Winery.
Cost $34/person, $32/person for SB Zoo Members
ZooLights Sponsors
PRESENTING
Gold Coast Toyota Dealers
GLOW
Jordano’s
Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Foundation
In memory of Chad Dreier
Jim & Chana Jackson
L&J Redman Trust
Mimi Michaelis
Amy and Jeff Pryor
The Cat and Bird Clinic
Want to become a ZooLights sponsor? Click the button below for sponsorship info.
FAQ
Tickets to ZooLights are non-refundable. The event is held rain or shine. Tickets may be transferred; fees may apply.
Yes.
The Ridley Tree-House Restaurant and concession stands throughout the Zoo will have food, drinks, and adult beverages available. Guests will be permitted to bring their own food to ZooLights. Outside alcohol is prohibited.
ZooLights is closed on Thanksgiving Day (11/27), Christmas Eve (12/24), Christmas Day (12/25), New Year's Eve (12/31), and New Year's Day (1/1/26). The Zoo is open for general admission on these holidays from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM.
Parking is $11 per car. SB Zoo Members park for free.
No, ZooLights is a separate after-hours event. The Zoo closes at 3:30 PM on ZooLights days and visitors will be cleared off grounds. The gate will re-open at 4:30 PM for the event.
ZooLights does not feature the animals that live at the Zoo, as the animals settle down for bedtime, and parts of the Zoo are not accessible. To see the Zoo’s animals, guests are encouraged to visit during regular daytime hours.