ZooLights is generously sponsored by:
Giffin & Crane Contractors LLC
Illuminate Your Holidays
See the Zoo in a whole new light at the first-ever ZooLights! Enjoy this immersive holiday experience featuring thousands of handcrafted silk-covered lanterns aglow with more than 50,000 LED bulbs.
Walk through the Zoo and enjoy the illuminated lanterns showcasing animal and nature scenes that represent wild places from around the world. Discover the African plains, a whimsical butterfly display, interactive areas, and a taste of the Outback all on the Zoo’s beautiful grounds.
BUY TICKETS
ZooLights Pricing
Non-peak
$22/Adult (ages 13+)
$20/Child (ages 3-12)
children 2 and under are free
Peak
$32/Adult (ages 13+)
$30/Child (ages 3-12)
children 2 and under are free
SB Zoo Members save $2 per ticket.
BUY TICKETS
Interested in buying blocks of 30 tickets or more? Please fill out the bulk ticket request.
Sponsorship
Would your business like to support this exciting, illuminating new Santa Barbara event? Please contact us for sponsorship opportunities for ZooLights.
SPONSORSHIP INQUIRY
ZooLights FAQ
Closure Dates
November 2022: ZooLights will be closed Mondays and Tuesdays (except 11/22) and Thanksgiving Day.
December 2022: ZooLights will be closed Mondays and Tuesdays (except 12/20 and 12/27), 12/15, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve.
January 2023: ZooLights will be closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
How do I purchase tickets?
Tickets can be purchased online here.
Are online tickets purchased for ZooLights redeemable for any evening?
No, when purchasing a ticket for ZooLights you reserve your ticket for a specific date. They will not be redeemable for a different evening.
Do members get a discount?
Santa Barbara Zoo Members save $2 per ticket.
Is there a discount for U.S. military and their families, seniors, and people with physical disabilities?
No. Since ZooLights is a special fundraiser event, an admission discount will not apply.
Is food available for purchase?
There will be several food options and adult beverages available during ZooLights, including the Wave Restaurant, Ridley Tree-House Restaurant, and The Buzz coffee and cocktail area.
Can I bring my own food to ZooLights?
Yes, just like a daytime visit to the Zoo, visitors are permitted to bring their own food to ZooLights. Outside alcohol is prohibited.
Do I need to pay for parking?
Parking is $11 per car. SB Zoo Members park free.
If I'm already visiting the Zoo, can I just stay for ZooLights?
No, ZooLights is a separate after-hours event. The Zoo closes at 3:30 PM on ZooLights days and visitors will be cleared off grounds. The gate will re-open at 4:15 PM for the event.
Will I be able to see the animals?
While you may see an animal at ZooLights, most of them go to bed and will not be visible. The lights are the focus of this event.
Someone in my group has special needs. Do you provide accommodations?
We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to engage and participate fully. ADA parking spots are located close to the Zoo entrance. They tend to fill up, so if a member of your group has mobility challenges we recommend coming early to park as close as possible to the entrance.
We have ECVs available for reservation for $30/$25 for SB Zoo Members. There is an additional $10 refundable deposit required to make a reservation. You can reserve an ECV online.
Wheelchairs are available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis for $7/$6 for SB Zoo Members.
To request accommodations or for inquiries about accessibility, please email the accessibility team.
What if it rains? Are there ticket refunds?
ZooLights is a rain or shine event—there will be no ticket refunds.
Are strollers permitted at ZooLights?
Yes, strollers are allowed at this event.
