San Francisco ZooLights Reopens After Eight Years: Dates, Hours and Ticket Prices

SAN FRANCISCO — November 7, 2026. ZooLights is back at the San Francisco Zoo & Gardens for the first time since 2018. The after-dark holiday program opened Friday, November 6, and is scheduled to run through January 3, 2027.

What families will see

The zoo says more than one million lights illuminate 14 themed zones. Organizers describe large animal-shaped light installations, winter photo spots, glowing playground elements and illuminated portions of the extended Dinos Rule! attraction. Areas housing live animals and sensitive habitats will not be illuminated as part of the attraction.

Hours and prices

According to the zoo’s official event listing, the initial schedule is Wednesday through Sunday, 5:30–9 p.m. Tickets are listed at $30 for adults and $21 for children, and zoo members receive a $3 discount. ZooLights requires a separate ticket from normal daytime admission. The zoo’s schedule page should be checked for date-specific changes and holiday programming before making a trip.

Why the return matters

The zoo’s revival of an evening program adds a family-oriented option to San Francisco’s late-year event calendar and is also intended to support visitor revenue. The attraction returns after an eight-year gap rather than continuing an annual program that had remained open in intervening seasons.

Planning tip: Confirm admission availability in advance, dress for cold and windy coastal conditions, and do not assume a daytime zoo ticket will admit you to ZooLights.

Sources: San Francisco Zoo official event page; October 2 zoo announcement.

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