ZooLights: Holiday Magic 2024
Thursday, December 5, 2024 — Sunday, January 5, 2025
6:00 pm — 8:30 pm
Ready, Set, Glow!
December 5– 23, Encore Nights: December 26 – 30 and January 2 – 5
Let it Glow! This year’s ZooLights: Holiday Magic event, presented by Tucson Electric Power, is bigger and brighter than ever with over a million dazzling lights. Bring the whole troop and make some unforgettable memories at this Tucson holiday tradition.
As you stroll through the Zoo, beautifully decorated, surround yourself in an enchanting wonderland of festive lights, light shows, and displays with a flurry of heartwarming activities around every corner. New this year is a giant, illuminated Gingerbread House, the return of a towering 36-foot showcase tree and decorative scenes– perfect for your holiday photos.
Revel in falling snow in the Arctic Zone, enjoy live entertainment each evening sure to put you in the holiday spirit, and be sure to visit with jolly St. Nick who will be on hand to hear wishes through December 23. Savor a cup of hot cocoa from the Flamingo Grill or carts around the Zoo as you experience all the festive fun. There is traditional cocoa and also cocoa with “Santa’s Spirits” for the adults.
Note: During evening events most animals will be sleeping and not visible to the public.
A Note on Costumes: No costumed characters allowed inside the event unless pre-arranged with Zoo management.
Give Back and Get a Discount:
Bring a donation of 2 cans of food for the Community Food Bank (check out this list of their most needed items), a dog or cat toy or food for adoptable pets or a new unwrapped toy for La Frontera (for children aged 2-12) or old and non-functioning holiday lights to recycle and receive $1 off admission. Limit $1 discount per admission ticket. This discount is applicable to tickets purchased at the gate and in person, and cannot be combined with any other discounts.
Tickets
$14 Adults (ages 15-61)
$12 Seniors (ages 62+)
$9 Children (ages 2-14)
Free for children under 2
Zoo Members receive $2 off admission Tuesdays – Sundays.
Bulk ticket rates are available for groups of 30 or more. Inquire about bulk tickets!
Zoo Member Mondays
Zoo members receive half-off general admission December 9, 16, and 30! Please note Monday, December 23 will not be eligible for Member Monday pricing.
Encore Nights
Visit during Encore Nights (December 26-30 and January 1-5) after Santa flies home and save $2 on tickets!
$12 Adults (ages 15-61)
$10 Seniors (ages 62+)
$7 Children (ages 2-14)
Free for children under 2
Event Garden Entertainment Schedule and Holiday Shopping Nights
| Date | Performers |
| Thursday, December 5 | Mindy Ronstadt & The One Bill Band |
| Friday, December 6 | Baja Caravan |
| Saturday, December 7 | Dry Wash Anglers |
| Sunday, December 8 | Drive-By High 5 |
| Monday, December 9 | Brett Dooley |
| Tuesday, December 10 | Catalina Foothills High School |
| Wednesday, December 11 | Orange Grove Middle School Choir |
| Thursday, December 12 | Kyklo |
| Friday, December 13 | Quadrant 44 & Shopping Night |
| Saturday, December 14 | Jamie’s Gang |
| Sunday, December 15 | Center Stage Dance Studio |
| Monday, December 16 | Desert Dance Collective |
| Tuesday, December 17 | Continental School District Chamber Orchestra & Jazz Band (6-7:15pm)/ Irish Step Dancers of Arizona (7:15-8:30pm) |
| Wednesday, December 18 | Saguaro Strutters Line Dance Team (6-7:15pm)/Project 520 Dance Studio (7:15-8:30pm) |
| Thursday, December 19 | Tucson Magnet High Magnet Choir (6-7:15pm)/ Tucson Twist-Its (7:15-8:30pm) |
| Friday, December 20 | Silk & Soul Band & Shopping Night |
| Saturday, December 21 | Thistle & Bear |
| Sunday, December 22 | Amber Gaia |
| Monday, December 23 | Kids Unlimited |
| Thursday, December 26 | Jacob Acosta – Duo |
| Friday, December 27 | Mr. Nature |
| Saturday, December 28 | Just Intervals |
| Sunday, December 29 | Fever Jazz Quartet |
| Monday, December 30 | TBD |
| Thursday, January 2 | Bryce Rogers |
| Friday, January 3 | Tucson Little Big Band |
| Saturday, January 4 | Tucson Twist Its |
| Sunday, January 5 | Joe Bourne |
Pollinator Garden Entertainment
| Date | Performers |
| Friday, December 6 | Palo Verde High School Choir |
| Saturday, December 7 | Empire High School Choir |
| Sunday December 8 | TBD |
| Thursday, December 12 | Catalina Foothills High School Choir/Flowing Wells High School |
| Friday, December 13 | Stephen Kozachik |
| Saturday, December 14 | Walden Grove High School |
| Sunday, December 15 | Characters |
| Thursday, December 19 | Tucson Desert Harmony Chorus |
| Friday, December 20 | TBD |
| Saturday, December 21 | TBD |
| Sunday, December 22 | Holy Cross Lutheran |
| Monday, December 23 | TBD |
Thank you to our Sponsors!
Title Sponsor
Light Show Sponsor
Snow Sponsor
Santa’s Workshop Sponsor
Theme Zone Sponsor
