Plan Your Visit

Wander through our twinkling winter wonderland and feel the magic of the holidays come alive at the Zoo!

From beloved classics like the iconic LOVE sign to new favourites including the showstopping Zoo Lights Express train, every corner shines with festive cheer. Plus, photos with Santa are available in the Marquee tent from November 21 - December 23. 

NEW for 2025: 

• Games and activities for all ages including snowshoeing, a scavenger hunt in the light maze, light up croquet, and box hockey. 
• Meet brand new twinkling animals in the Enchanted Jungle.
• The classic hanging Aurora lights have moved indoors for a spectacular light show and added warm up spot.
• Carolers and fire and light dancers roam throughout the event.
• More fire pits will keep you warm and cozy all night!
   

Displays & Attractions

Prairie Lights: See twinkling animals that call Manitoba home!

Starry Night: Howl at the moon with glowing, radiant wolves. 

The Orchard: Cozy up to the fire pit and relax in The Orchard. Take a selfie with light up butterfly wings.

The Marquee Tent: Snap photos with Santa Claus from November 21 - December 23 and magical winter characters from December 26 - January 1. 

Candy Cane Cove: Snuggle up in this red and white wonderland and take photos framed by lifesized candy canes.

Zoo Lights Express: All aboard! A new favourite, our festive train, is back near the Tundra Grill.

Hoops & Swoops: Get moving and grooving with our interactive hoola hoop station! A facilitator will teach you how to enchant everyone with your sweet moves.

Tundra Trail: Explore this classic trail, with a stunning light tunnel, fire pit, Hudson's Bay wildlife gallery, a teepee, and more!

Zoo Lights Arcade: Ready to play? Enjoy arcade games spread throughout the event!

Aurora Lights: This classic display is back and now indoors for an added warm up spot at the Rotating Exhibit Gallery near the Marquee Tent. Become mesmerized with this three minute light show, matching with beautiful music to whisk you away to the Northern Lights.

Lover's Lane: Bring your sweetheart to Lover's Lane and take your photo at the iconic LOVE sign and the hugging polar bears. 

Enchanted Jungle: Soak in the tropical vibes this winter at our Enchanted Jungle with new animals and plants. 

Light Maze: Don't get lost in our light maze - it's the largest in Manitoba! Plus, explore each corner with a special new scavenger hunt.

Sensory Night - Wednesday, December 3

Sensory Night is a special evening at Zoo Lights designed to provide a more comfortable experience for our guests with sensory regulation or processing needs.

Wednesday, December 3
Time: 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Tickets: $17.50 + GST (all ages 3+) | Children 2 and under FREE

What to Expect at Sensory Night

• Flashing or strobing lights will be turned off.
• Music volumes will be lowered or off.
• Maximum event capacity will be reduced by 50%.
• A quiet room will be available with soft lighting, sensory toys, and blankets.
• Sensory activities will be available throughout the event.

Sensory Night Tips

• A printed map will be available at the main gate. This map will include sensory-rich labeled areas.
• General accessibility information for Zoo Lights is available here.
• Assiniboine Park Zoo has a limited number of Kulture City sensory bags available on a first come first serve basis. If you require noise cancelling headphones, sunglasses, fidget accessories, or other specific items, we recommend bringing them with you.
• Performers such as LED hula-hoopers and carollers will be located in designated areas along the Zoo Lights route. You may choose to not engage with these groups, and are welcome to interact if you feel comfortable.
• Santa Claus will be at the Marquee tent from 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm. You may bring your own camera or phone and a volunteer will assist in taking your photo.
• Please do not to bring or wear items that have flashing or strobing light effects (such as flashing necklaces.)

New Years Eve and New Years Day Bash

Join us for special celebrations on New Years Eve and New Years Day!

New Years Eve - December 31
Open 5:00 pm - 1:00 am

Enjoy everything you love about Zoo Lights, plus live music, food and drink specials, and countdowns throughout the evening with a light show. This event is welcoming to all ages to bring in the New Year!

New Years Day - January 1
Open 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm

The celebration continues on New Years Day! Enjoy everything you love about Zoo Lights, plus live music, and food and drink specials.

Parking

Parking in front of the Zoo is limited.

Additional parking is available during Zoo Lights in our overflow parking lot (at our Special Events Gate/Old Zoo Entrance). Please see the map with the yellow line, directing how to drive there from the Roblin Boulevard parking lot. Once you’re there, the orange line will direct you on how to walk to the Zoo main entrance.

Zoo Overflow Parking Lot Directions 

Please consider carpooling, active transportation, or public transportation. Give yourself extra time before your assigned ticket time to find parking.

Food and Beverage

Tasty treats and warm drinks are must-haves at Zoo Lights! All food and beverage stations are serving hot and cold drinks including coffee, hot chocolate, craft beer, wine, and more! Adults, add a shot of Baileys or Forty Creek Butter Tart Cream Liqueur to your hot drink.

Bison Snack Shack: Warm up by the fire and enjoy grab-and-go meals and snacks, soft pretzels, and other tasty treats.
Highlights: S'mores, seasonal sweet treats, gourmet hot chocolate and coffees

Winston's: Zoo Lights classic treats! Mouth-watering mini donuts, hot chocolate, and coffee!
Highlights: Hot apple cider, seasonal specialty Mini Donuts

Marquee Tent: Quick, hot foods and snacks, soft pretzels, and other tasty treats!
Highlights: Mac and cheese, stew/chili, and mulled wine

Tundra Grill: Full service indoor restaurant serving burgers, hotdogs, fries, snacks, popcorn, grab-and-go items, and more!

Tundra Trail Shack: Cozy, seasonal hot drinks and sweet treats
Highlights: S'more's, hot apple cider, gourmet hot chocolate and seasonal sweet treats

Beavertails: Near the exit, grab a well-deserved treat with a Beavertail, a one-of-a-kind fried dough pastry with delicious sweets on top!