Plan Your Visit

Everything you've come to love about Zoo Lights and MORE are back for your viewing pleasure! Your favourite displays are waiting for you, including the iconic "LOVE" sign in Lover's Lane, blankets of cascading Aurora Borealis lights, plus new attractions to discover, such as our new Zoo Lights Express.

Grab your warm beverages and treats, enjoy the toasty fire pits, and have an amazing time in this sparkling holiday event.

ZOO LIGHTS MAP

New/Improved/Must See Spots

Displays & Attractions: Our displays are brighter than ever! Between our new displays, the new additions to the classic ones you love, plus more to discover, there will be something dazzling to see with every step of Zoo Lights!

DJ Booth: As you step into our magical wonderland, start on the right beat with our DJ playing music from 5:00 pm - 8:30 pm, featuring DJ GeNie, DJ FUZZY Paws, DJ MAJUICE, and DJ Q.

Light Maze: Discover the magic of Manitoba's largest light maze!

LOOP by Olivier Girouard, Jonathan Villeneuve and Ottoblix: Experience the innovative installation! This captivating exhibit blends art and technology, inviting you to engage with its dynamic design and interactive features.

Photos with Santa: Come visit the holly jolly man in red in the Marquee Tent! Every night of Zoo Lights until December 23 (before he heads back to the North Pole!) you can get your photos with Santa from 5:30 - 9:30 pm. Please bring your camera or phone to take the photos.

Zoo Lights Arcade: Get ready for an adventure in our outdoor arcade!

Zoo Lights Express: All aboard! Check our out newest photo opportunity - our festive train light display, near Journey to Churchill.

LOOP by Olivier Girouard, Jonathan Villeneuve and Ottoblix is a co-production of Quartier des spectacles Partnership and Ekumen, distributed by QDSinternational.

Displays & Attractions

Prairie Lights: See the animals that call Manitoba home in glittery lights!

Starry Night: Come under the full moon every night and howl with the glowing wolves.

The Orchard: Cozy up to the fire pit and relax in The Orchard. Take some fun selfies with the butterfly wings and grab some light up toys, accessories, and more for sale to join in on the bright fun!

Inspiration Alley: Back by popular demand, feel invigorated with our alley, with inspiring words to share with others.

The Marquee: Join in on the fun of The Marquee tent from 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm! Snap amazing photos with Santa Claus (November 22 - December 23) and magical winter characters (December 26 - January 5), participate in winter crafts and activities, enjoy yummy treats and warm drinks, and contribute to the community wall.

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

Zoo Lights Express: All aboard! Check our out newest photo station - our festive train light display, near Journey to Churchill.

Aurora Lights: This classic display is back! Become mesmerized with this seven minute light show, matching with beautiful music to whisk you away to the Northern Lights.

LOOP by Olivier Girouard, Jonathan Villeneuve and Ottoblix: Be dazzled by this interactive light display that creates lights and sounds by its users, inspired by 19th century optical toy, the zoetrope.

Hoops & Swoops: Get moving and grooving with our interactive hoola hoop station! A facilitator will be there to help you as you dazzle everyone around you with your sweet moves.

Tundra Trail: Explore this classic trail, with a light tunnel, fire pit stop, wildlife gallery, and more!

Zoo Lights Arcade: Ready to play? Join in our outdoor arcade, equipped with ladder toss, skee-ball, and corn hole.

Lover's Lane: Bring your sweetheart to Lover's Lane and warm up with admiration for one another. Plus, there's a new selfie station to take part in!

Enchanted Jungle: Soak in the tropical vibes in winter with our Enchanted Jungle with new display animals, such as a sloth, toucan, and more!

Light Maze: Make sure you don't get lost in our light maze - it's the largest in Manitoba! As a reward, grab a treat from the Beavertails station right near the entrance.

Release the Squirrels: As you conclude your amazing evening at Zoo Lights, have one last laugh with Release the Squirrels!

LOOP by Olivier Girouard, Jonathan Villeneuve and Ottoblix is a co-production of Quartier des spectacles Partnership and Ekumen, distributed by QDSinternational.

Sensory Night - Wednesday, December 11

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 11
Time: 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm (final entry 8:00 - 8:30 pm)
Tickets: $17.00 + GST (all ages 3+) | Children 2 and under FREE

Buy Tickets Here

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 MAP

Sensory Night Visual Guide

Sensory Night Tips
Here are a few tips and details to help make Sensory Night fun for everyone!

• 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 for sign out 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.)

Zoo Lights 18+ Night - Friday, January 3

Join us in our first-ever adults only night at Zoo Lights for a night of hot and cold night of fun!

• Get in the dancing mood with Brazilian Beats Groove inside the Marquee tent from 8:00 pm - 8:45 pm and 9:30 pm - 10:15 pm.
• Drink specials throughout the evening
  • In the Marquee tent:
    • Sex on the Beach, Dark n' Stormy, Sea Breeze
  • In the Tundra Grill:
    • Blue Raspberry Lemonade, Dark n' Stormy
• Drink samplings from Trans Canada Brewing
• Get your photos with our winter characters and Vacation Santa throughout your journey
• Enjoy all you love of Zoo Lights and more (just without the kids!)

Friday, January 3
Time: 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm (final entry 9:00 - 9:30 pm)
Tickets: $17.00 + GST

Buy Tickets Here

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. If possible, 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 RumChata to your hot drink.

• Bison Snack Shack: Warm up by the fire and get some grab-and-go meals and snacks, soft pretzels, and other tasty treats.
  • Highlights: S'mores, Candy Cane Hot Chocolate, Dairy Free Hot Chocolate
• Winston's: The Zoo Lights classic treats - mouth-watering mini donuts, hot chocolate, and coffee!
  • Highlights: Hot Apple Cider, Gingerbread Caramel Mini Donuts
• Marquee Tent: Quick, hot foods and snacks, soft pretzels, and other tasty treats!
  • Highlights: Mac and Cheese, Soup, and Mulled Wine
• Tundra Grill: Full service, indoor restaurant serving burgers, hotdogs, fries, snacks, popcorn, grab-and-go items, and more!
  • Highlights: Bailey's Mocha, Peppermint Hot Chocolate, Eggnog Latte, Dairy Free Hot Chocolate
• Beavertails: Just outside the Light Maze, grab yourself a well-deserved treat with a Beavertail, a one-of-a-kind fried dough pastry with delicious sweets on top!