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!

Zoo Lights Map

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 3. 

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.

New Year's Eve and New Year's Day Bash

Join us for special celebrations on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day!

New Year's Eve - December 31

5:00 pm - 1:00 am
All ages welcome!

Enjoy everything you love about Zoo Lights, plus outdoor dance parties, fire dancers, food and drink specials, and countdowns throughout the evening. DJ GeNie will be spinning tracks all night near the Zoo entrance and stop by the Marquee tent for a visit with the Grinch!

We are excited to welcome CBC Manitoba to Zoo Lights on New Year’s Eve as part of CBC’s Live Cross-Canada Countdown!

Countdown Celebrations

Each celebration features an outdoor dance party with Squid Squad and a dazzling theatrical sparkler display! Celebrations are located at an outdoor performance area near the light maze. Extra fire pits will help keep you warm and cozy!

• Starr Blazers fire show | 6:15 pm, 7:45 pm, 9:15 pm
• Family-friendly New Year’s countdown and live music | 6:30 pm, 8:00 pm, 9:30 pm
• Official New Year's countdown | Midnight

Squid Squad is made up of Paul Maclean, Brennan Hakes, Caleb Cormie and Jamie Buckboro. Playing all your favourite good time covers spanning the 60's to mid-2000s. A guaranteed good time. 

 
New Year's Day - January 1

5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
All ages welcome!

The celebration continues on New Year's Day! Enjoy everything you love about Zoo Lights, plus live fiddling with the Wrigley Brothers, and food and drink specials.

The Wrigley Brothers are identical 21-year-old Cree twins specializing in traditional fiddling and singing of original, contemporary, and classic folk. Talent has brought them from the Prairies to the Pacific, United States and Mexico.

Parking

Limited parking is available at the Zoo front entrance. Please consider carpooling, active transportation, or public transportation.

Zoo Overflow Parking Lot Directions 

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.

Browse Our Menus

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

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!