The long-running Calgary Zoo ZooLights is almost three decades old, and with that annual display of animal-themed holiday lights and sounds is bigger and bolder for the occasion.

Which, considering that the zoo is itself undergoing a major renovation of its Asia habitats, was no easy task.

But tens of thousands of hours, along with millions of lights, and even turning some of the construction barriers into works of light-up art, have helped to grow the ZooLights experience.

“It is a team effort, but it’s a 364-day-a-year effort. So, as soon as the team tears down on January 5, they will take a well deserved three week break to tear down, have some vacation, get caught up on some rest, and come Valentine’s Day, they’ll be starting to talk about what ZooLights 2027 is going to look like,” said Alison Archambault, Director of Brand and Public Relations at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo.

“We’re itching closer every year to our centennial, and it’s just going to keep getting brighter and bolder every year.”

Alongside every bright light this year is a message of conservation. One new addition for 2025 has been the inclusion of lightbox paintings of animal species that are at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, along with information about those same species.

Archambault said that this turns a special family tradition for many Calgarians into an opportunity to learn more about the work that the zoo does, but also to become more involved in the preservation and conservation of species.

“Everything we do is in partnership with other organizations, and help people understand how they can contribute. Every time you visit the zoo, every time you visit ZooLights, you buy a beverage, you buy something from retail, you’re supporting wildlife conservation, and that feels good. That’s an important thing to do,” she said.

Which is not to say that there isn’t just plain family fun to be had. The popular elf-themed festive forest has returned from 2024, along with live performers to amp up the elf antics.

The zoo’s entrance by the Penguin Plunge has been turned into a glowing rendition of the North Pole, complete with Santa.

“Elves have been busy rebuilding Santa’s workshop, and you can go and get a photo with Santa until December 23,” said Archambault.

Continuing with the Santa theme, the Rocky Mountain Garden Railroaders have transformed the Enmax Conservatory into Sugar Plum Station—a train-themed Christmas destination complete with a miniature railroad.

Archambault said that guests wanting to take in fire pits can do that in the Asia section of the zoo, along with a 100-foot light tunnel.

“There are festive feasts, there are brunches, there’s hot chocolate and cookies and mulled wine. There’s just something for everyone. I feel like this year, Zoolight is the biggest and brightest we’ve ever had,” she said.

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is offering 20 per cent off on ZooLights tickets on Mondays through to Dec. 15. For more details and tickets, visit the website.

Photos from ZooLights 2025