When is Phoenix ZooLights in 2026? ZooLights runs November 25, 2026 through January 15, 2027, nightly from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. at the Phoenix Zoo. The zoo describes five million lights across more than two miles of trail, with a Lake Lights Show, a 200-foot light tunnel and photos with Santa.
How much are tickets? General admission is $35, members pay $30, and children 2 and under are free. Members also get $10 Member Monday tickets on select dates. Tickets are non-refundable but good for any one public night of the season, so buy online and pick your night.
Data note: Dates, prices, features and crowd guidance come from the Phoenix Zoo's ZooLights page and web store (checked Nov. 2, 2026). Dates and hours are subject to change. No market statistics are included in this post.
ZooLights 2026 at a Glance
- Dates: Nov. 25, 2026–Jan. 15, 2027
- Hours: 5:30–10:30 p.m.
- Where: Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix 85008
- General ticket: $35
- Member ticket: $30
- Kids 2 and under: free
- Lights: 5 million across 2+ miles of trail
- Phone: 602-286-3800
ZooLights Tickets and Discounts
Member Mondays
Members can buy $10 tickets, limit six, on these dates:
- Nov. 23 (member preview night)
- Nov. 30
- Dec. 7 and Dec. 14
- Jan. 4 and Jan. 11
SRP Customer Offer
The Phoenix Zoo's web store lists an SRP customer deal: two tickets for $35 on Wednesday or Thursday nights. It can't be combined with other discounts.
Group Tickets
Bulk tickets are available when you buy 50 or more in advance, which is useful for office parties and HOA outings.
Special ZooLights Nights
Sensory Friendly ZooLights: Tuesday, Dec. 8
Expect smaller crowds, quieter music and reduced flashing lights. It requires a separate ticket.
Cruise ZooLights: Sunday, Jan. 17
A drive-through version where you stay in your car and roll through the light tunnel. It's also a separate ticket.
What to See at ZooLights
- Lake Lights Show: a 50-foot LED tree with synchronized music, plus six more 24-foot trees this year
- Floating Christmas tree light show on the water
- 200-foot immersive light tunnel
- Wander the Wonder: a new installation trail on the Arizona Trail
- Glow Garden: a glowing dance floor and glow swings
- Dinosaurs in the Desert: a lit dinosaur trail
- Three-story Christmas tree for photos
- S'mores by the fire, kettle corn and hot cocoa
Photos With Santa
Santa is in from Nov. 25 through Dec. 23, with a separate fee and reservations.
A Note on the Animals
The zoo says most animals won't be visible during ZooLights. Visit in the daytime to see them.
Best Nights to Go
The Phoenix Zoo's own advice:
- Least crowded: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
- Quieter stretches: the first two weeks of December and all of January
- Best arrival time: around 7:30–8 p.m., after the opening wave
Want the most value? A Wednesday in early December lines up the lighter crowds with the SRP offer.
Parking at ZooLights
- Carpool if you can, and watch the message boards as you approach
- When the main lots fill, you'll be sent to the overflow lot at Phoenix Municipal Stadium, southwest corner of Van Buren and Priest
- The walk is about 15 minutes on a well-lit, paved path
Is ZooLights Worth It?
For most Valley households, yes, with a plan. A ticket is good for any one public night, so you can wait for good weather. The nightly animal presentations at the Doornbos Discovery Amphitheater add a short break mid-walk. Community performances run Wednesdays and Thursdays at 6 p.m., which pairs nicely with the SRP offer.
Make a Night of It
- Bundle up: our desert evenings cool off quickly in December
- Eat first or plan on zoo treats
- Pair it with more holiday lights at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park in Scottsdale
More ideas: things to do in Scottsdale in November and Veterans Day events in Phoenix and Scottsdale.
“ZooLights is one of the traditions clients mention when they tell me why they love living in the Valley. My tip is simple: go on a weeknight in early December, arrive after 7:30, and bring a jacket. You'll walk right in and actually enjoy the lights.”
— Elizabeth Vijan, Tackett Team, eXp Realty
FAQ: Phoenix ZooLights 2026
When is ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo in 2026?
Nov. 25, 2026–Jan. 15, 2027, 5:30–10:30 p.m.
How much are ZooLights tickets?
$35 general, $30 members, free for kids 2 and under.
What is the least crowded night for ZooLights?
Monday through Wednesday, especially in early December and January.
Where do you park for Phoenix ZooLights?
Main lots first, then Phoenix Municipal Stadium overflow.
Thinking About a Move Within the Valley?
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Elizabeth Vijan | Tackett Team, eXp Realty
Scottsdale & Phoenix Real Estate
Let's Talk · Call or text 602-885-7752
Sources: Phoenix Zoo: ZooLights · Phoenix Zoo web store: SRP ZooLights offer
Disclaimer: Event details, prices and dates can change without notice. Confirm with the Phoenix Zoo before you go. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Equal Housing Opportunity.
Tackett Team, eXp Realty · Get in touch