Zoo Lights
Stroll through illuminated displays, festive holiday scenes, and larger-than-life light installations celebrating the Joy to the World theme. Visitors can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus inside the Big Gage building or relax at The Cube lounge inside the Ross Family Pavilion. Guests can also rent private decorated igloos and enjoy seasonal refreshments like hot chocolate, pizza, and festive cocktails.
What to Expect
Joy to the World themed light displays and private heated igloos.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center
Food & Drink
Options include pizza, pretzels, popcorn, cinnamon-sugar donuts, coffee, hot chocolate (including spiked options), seasonal drinks, beer, and wine.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and holiday-light fans
Vibe
Festive and cozy
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Adults $14; children ages 3–12 $9; seniors $9 (the page gives ages 65+ in the ticket list and 60+ in the FAQ); children under 2 are free. Wild Wednesdays are $9 for everyone, with no other discounts applying. The Thanksgiving Special and Christmas Night Special offer $2 off admission. Military members receive 50% off admission for themselves and up to three guests at the gate only, not valid with other discounts or on Wild Wednesdays. Friends of the Zoo members save $3 on admission. Museums for All guests receive discounted admission each night.
- Hours: Sunday–Thursday: 5–9 PM; Friday & Saturday: 5–10 PM. Holiday hours: Thanksgiving (Nov. 27), 5–9 PM; Dec. 23–27, 5–10 PM; Christmas (Dec. 25), 5–10 PM. Thanksgiving Special: Thursday, Nov. 26, 5–9 PM. Christmas Night Special: Friday, Dec. 25, 5–10 PM. Wild Wednesdays: 5–9 PM.
Tips & Advice
- Military members should buy at the gate, where they get half off for themselves and up to three guests, though not on Wild Wednesdays.
- Friends of the Zoo members can skip the wait by using the South Gate Member Fast Line when they arrive.
- Hold on to your ticket if plans change, since an unused ticket is honored on another Zoo Lights night even though sales are nonrefundable.
- Arrive with time to spare, because the last ticket is sold an hour before the gates close each night.
- Pick up a light-up cup at Sunflower's Café, Gingerbread Village or Camp Cowabunga, and adults 21 and over can ask for spiked hot chocolate.
Special Events & Promotions
- Ready Set Roll! Glow Roll Parade on November 21 for kids up to age 10 on bikes, in wagons and in strollers.
- Wild Wednesdays (November 25 and December 2, 9, 16 and 23): one discounted admission rate for everyone, and no other discounts apply.
- Thanksgiving Special on November 26 and Christmas Night Special on December 25, with discounted admission online and at the gate.
- Gingerbread Contest December 21–23: see gingerbread houses from local businesses and vote for Best in Show and the Golden Rolling Pin.
- Cookies with Claus on December 5, a separate event that needs its own registration.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can we find Santa?
Mr. and Mrs. Claus are inside the Big Gage building from November 20 through December 24, along with other holiday friends.
What is The Cube?
New for 2026, The Cube turns the Ross Family Pavilion into a speakeasy-inspired holiday lounge with warm lighting, festive décor and comfortable seating. It's open every night. On Fridays and Saturdays it serves specialty cocktails, beer, wine and seasonal drinks.
What food and drinks are there?
Sunflower's Café has pizza, coffee, cocoa, pretzels, popcorn and cinnamon-sugar donuts. Camp Cowabunga has cocoa, cookie decorating sets, popcorn and cinnamon roasted nuts. Gingerbread Village has cocoa, cider, beer and wine. Holiday bars for guests 21 and over are inside Gingerbread Village and Camp Cowabunga. Fountain drinks aren't available.
Can we rent a private igloo?
Yes. Private igloos come with cozy décor and festive lights. You can pre-order a food and beverage package, including candy and cocoa snack options.
What should we wear?
Zoo Lights is outdoors and runs rain, shine or snow, so dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes.
More Christmas Events Near Topeka
More Christmas Events near Topeka
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.