The magic and the spirit of the holiday season return! The Zoo lights up the night until 8 p.m. (*except December 24) with amazing entertainment featuring the spectacular show, Aurora. Bring the family and enjoy some tasty treats and the warmth of the holidays.
Jungle Bells is included with all admission tickets and memberships.
Learn more about Cal Coast Credit Union, our partner in conservation ▸
The brass musical ensemble will get guests in the holiday spirit, as they play holiday favorites throughout the evening.
Join in on all of the interactive fun, as kids of all ages take part in holiday games and dances that get them into the spirit of the season and up on their feet.
The Front Street Toog Tree is lighted and choreographed to a holiday soundtrack, bringing the season to life every 30 minutes during Jungle Bells.
The prince of winter shows off his amazing skills by juggling snowballs and icicles, as he brings a little magical winter chill to the air at Wildlife Explorers Basecamp.
Meet Santa’s favorite helpers—friendly Zoo characters Dr. Harry Lion, Churchill Polar Bear, Sydney Koala, and all their friends—as they pose for holiday photos and spread the cheer of the season.
The a cappella quartet will bring their unique arrangements of holiday classics to the Boardwalk stage to delight guests—and bring a dusting of holiday magic to the area, creating a winter wonderland.
During the last 5 minutes of the Tinseltones' 4 performances, a dusting of "snow" brings holiday magic to the Zoo's Boardwalk Beer Garden.
Santa’s acrobatic elves show off their bouncing and high-flying holiday magic in this amazing display of skill and athleticism.
The inimitable Dr. Z gets in the holiday spirit by telling his own zany, interactive version of this classic story.
Follow this festive forest pathway to trek through holiday décor and specially designed, lighted trees to visit polar bears and reindeer. It’s a great holiday photo opportunity!
Guests of all ages will love stopping by Santa’s Factory for a visit and photo with the jolly ol' elf himself.
Our strolling, acoustic guitarist/singer will interact and entertain guests, encouraging everyone to sing along to his fun holiday classics.
On December 25: Performances are scheduled on Front Street Stage at 4:30, 5:30, 6:30, and 7:30 p.m. (Campfire Carols).
Enjoy a delicious pre-show dinner at Albert's Restaurant and a reserved priority viewing area to watch the magic of Aurora. A light-up souvenir is included with each ticket. Cost is $80 per adult, $38 per child ages 3 to 11; nonmembers add Zoo admission.
Aurora's friendly sprites symbolizing three elements of nature—wind, water, and ice—will inhabit three areas of the Zoo pathways. They will greet guests with spirited goodwill as they travel down the themed pathways, where music and expanded new-for-2022 lighting and special effects will lead guests to the location of Aurora, where their experience continues.
This popular, end-of-the evening spectacular—full of lights, sounds, live performers, and 3D video projection images—returns to Hua Mei Plaza, to once again highlight the beauty of wind, water, and ice with two mesmerizing performances nightly. This year, guests have the opportunity to interact with the show by purchasing all-new Aurora bubble scepters, which glow and bubble during portions of the show.
