Wild Holidays at the Safari Park
Guests explore lighted pathways and themed areas, including the Bridge of Lights musical tunnel, the illuminated Nairobi Lantern Walk, and floating lights across Mombasa Lagoon. Entertainment includes live violin and acoustic music, choreographed light shows, and an interactive reading of an original holiday story. Visitors can also take photos with Santa and view specially decorated trees across the park.
What to Expect
Expedition of holiday lights, musical entertainment, and seasonal storytelling.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
Food & Drink
Seasonal options include gourmet hot chocolate, cookie butter cinnamon rolls, peppermint bark, roasted cauliflower salad, and craft cocktails on tap; guests must be 21 or older with valid ID to consume alcohol.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and holiday-light fans
Vibe
Festive and immersive
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Wild Holidays activities and entertainment are included with admission tickets or membership. No ticket prices are stated. – Get tickets
- Hours: The Safari Park is open until 8 p.m. on Wild Holidays dates. Activities include continuous offerings from 4–8 p.m. or 5–8 p.m.; scheduled performances at 4, 5, 6, and 7 p.m. or at half-hour intervals from 4:30–7:30 p.m.; and Light Up the Holidays displays at 5, 5:30, 6, 6:30, 7, 7:30, and 8 p.m. Santa has separate listed hours: November 28–30 and December 19–23, noon–8 p.m.; December 6–7 and 13–14, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; and December 24–25, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Tips & Advice
- Download the Wild Holidays map before you go so you can find the light zones, shows and Santa across the park.
- Don't plan on much animal watching, because wildlife viewing is limited during this evening event. Come for the lights, music and storytelling instead.
- Catch the Light Up the Holidays show at Safari Base Camp. It runs several times each evening and alternates between a Carol of the Bells medley and a Jingle Bells medley.
- Santa steps away for short breaks during his visiting hours, so leave some slack in your plans if a photo with him is a must.
- Bring a valid ID if you'd like a craft cocktail, since you must be 21 or older to drink alcohol in the park.
Special Events & Promotions
- Members get an exclusive preview night on November 27.
- Santa also welcomes visitors on December 6–7, 13–14 and 24–25, outside the Wild Holidays evenings.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Will we see the animals?
Only a little. Wildlife viewing is limited during this evening event, which centers on the lights, music and storytelling.
What entertainment is there?
Safari Parker reads the original story 'Twas the Night before Wild Holidays at the Village Playground. The Turtle Doves violin duo plays on Nairobi Walk. A holiday troubadour leads sing-alongs, and the Sweater Weather guitar duo strolls through World Gardens and Walkabout Australia.
Where can we find Santa?
Santa is at Safari Base Camp for visits and photos. He steps away for a few short breaks during his hours.
What is there to eat and drink?
Around the park you'll find craft cocktails on tap, roasted cauliflower salad, cookie butter cinnamon rolls, peppermint bark and gourmet hot chocolate. The menu may change, and you need to be 21 with a valid ID to drink alcohol.
Where are the main light displays?
Look for the Bridge of Lights tunnel on Safari Walk Bridge, the Nairobi Lantern Walk and the floating lights on Mombasa Lagoon. There's also the Forest of Color on Arbor Walk, the glowing Baja Garden, and decorated photo spots at Tiger Trail, Walkabout Australia, World Gardens and Condor Ridge.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
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