Jungle Bells

December 14, 2024, through January 5, 2025*

Experience the magic and the spirit of the holiday season at the world-famous San Diego Zoo. Join us for the return of Jungle Bells, when we light up the night until 8 p.m. with amazing entertainment and merry experiences. Bring the whole family and enjoy the warmth of the holidays at this joyous annual celebration.

Brand-New This Year: Be on the lookout for our spectacular Holiday Light Treks!

Jungle Bells activities are included with all admission tickets and memberships. Limited wildlife viewing after 5:00 p.m.
Please refer to the holiday map for designated open areas. Last Guided Bus Tour departs at 4:00 p.m.

*Excluding December 24; Santa’s Factory opens November 29

FRONT STREET

Jingle Brass

4:30, 5:30, 6:30, and 7:30 p.m. (25 minutes)
Front Street Stage

Get in the holiday spirit as our brass musical ensemble plays your favorite seasonal tunes throughout the evening.

Reindeer Games

5, 6, and 7 p.m. (25 minutes)
Front Street Stage

Join in on the fun as wildlife explorers of all ages take part in interactive holiday games and dances that will get everyone in a jolly mood.

WILDLIFE EXPLORERS BASECAMP

Jack Frost Juggler

4, 5, 6, and 7 p.m. (30 minutes)
Roaming through Wildlife Explorers Basecamp

The prince of winter shows off his amazing juggling skills and brings a magical chill to the air.

Holiday Troubadour

4:30, 5:30, and 6:30 p.m. (30 minutes)
Roaming through Wildlife Explorers Basecamp

Our strolling acoustic singer/guitarist interacts with and entertains guests, getting you to sing along to fun holiday classics.

URBAN JUNGLE AND OUTBACK

Toy Shop Hop

3, 4, 5, and 6 p.m. (15 minutes)
Sydney’s Grill, Urban Jungle

Santa’s acrobatic elves show off their bouncing and high-flying holiday magic in this amazing display of skill and athleticism.

Dr. Harry & His Holiday Friends

3:30 and 4:30 p.m. (25 minutes)
Boardwalk Beer Garden, Outback

Meet Santa’s favorite helpers! Friendly Zoo characters Dr. Harry Lion, Churchill Polar Bear, Sydney Koala, and all their friends will be dressed in their holiday finest as they pose for photos and spread festive cheer.

The Tinseltones

5:30, 6, 6:30, and 7 p.m. (20 minutes)
Boardwalk Beer Garden, Outback

This talented a cappella quartet brings their unique arrangements of holiday classics to the Boardwalk stage, featuring a dusting of winter “snow” during their finale.

AFRICA ROCKS

Dr. Zoolittle reading from an oversized bright red book

Dr. Zoolittle's One Wild Night Before Christmas

4, 5, 6, and 7 p.m. (20 minutes)
Rocks Box Stage

The inimitable Dr. Z gets into the holiday spirit by telling his own zany, interactive version of this classic tale.

LOST FOREST 

Santa’s Factory

November 29–December 1, December 7–8, and December 24: Noon–4 p.m.; December 13–23 and December 25: Noon–8 p.m.
Price Education Center

Holiday wishes are for everyone! You’ll love stopping by Santa’s Factory where guests of all ages can visit and have their photo taken with the jolly ol’ elf himself.

HOLIDAY LIGHT TREKS

Holiday Light Discovery

5–8 p.m. (Continuous)
Tiger Trail, Lost Forest

Venture down to explore the Painted Jungle, Rainbow Forest, and Laser Trail, where sparkling paths of lights, special effects, and seasonal surprises await you.

Holiday Light Celebration

5–8 p.m. (Continuous)
Bus Tour Unloading to Outback, Front Street

Celebrate the season in glimmering color on this interactive lighted pathway adorned with treats, presents, and shimmering lights.

Holiday Light Symphony

5–8 p.m. (Continuous)
Cactus Garden, Upper Africa Rocks

Join the holiday orchestra! Visit this interactive area full of sights and sounds, where you are invited to direct the colorful lights and beautiful music.