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ZOOLIGHTS 2026

Tickets & Pricing

Children 1 and under get in free!


Non-Members

ADULTS (12 & UP) • $19.00
CHILDREN (AGES 2-11) • $14.00

Zoo Members

ADULTS (12 & UP) • $17.00
CHILDREN (AGES 2-11) • $13.00

The Zoo will be open from 9AM to 4PM for General Admission on ZooLights days.

What Is ZoOLights?

Back and brighter than ever, ZooLights transforms the Fresno Chaffee Zoo into the Central Valley’s biggest holiday destination. On select nights from November 19 through January 3, families from across the Central Valley can come together to experience holiday magic. 

Get pictures with Santa and see his workshop, and see the spectacular Snowball and Flurry show—with snow falling! You can also sip hot cocoa and cocktails as you stroll through the Zoo or book a cozy night in one of our VIP igloos, available for up to ten people!

ZooLights has something for everyone and is a chance to experience the Zoo after hours, when the grounds become a winter wonderland.

See the Zoo decked out with Holiday lights and decorations.

What’s Happening At ZooLights

Enjoy Thousands of Sparkling Nights

Discover thousands of twinkling lights and dazzling displays that transform the Zoo into a winter wonderland after dark.

Photos with Santa

Bring your kids to see Santa’s workshop and tell him what’s on their Christmas list. Photos can be purchased the day of the event. Santa flies away after Decemer 23rd.

Holiday Express

Ride the magical holiday train through the Zoo! This is an additional cost and can be purchased the day of.

Snowball and Flurry Show

Wow the family with the immersive Snowball and Flurry show, a projection and special effects spectacular filled with magic, music and wonder! Featuring snow, lasers, fog, and bubbles!

VIP Igloos

Reserve a cozy VIP igloo for up to 10 of your family or friends to sip hot cocoa or cocktails in. Limited igloos available per night, book yours today!


ZooLights Overnight

Friday, December 4th – Saturday, December 5th 4:30 PM-9:00 AM

Spend the night at the Zoo at our ZooLights Family Overnight! Families will enjoy all the magic of ZooLights, but with an added twist! Start your evening with a pizza party, visit with an animal ambassador, and create a festive craft. From there, enjoy all the wonders of ZooLights as you explore the Zoo, but with your very own scavenger hunt, ending with a special prize. After you explore the Zoo, cozy up for a winter book led by the Zoos’ very own storytellers. From there, make yourselves comfortable in our indoor classroom for bedtime. The next morning, a light breakfast will be waiting for you before you embark on a special Behind-the-Scenes Tour and enjoy the Zoo at your leisure with general admission included for that whole day!

The ZooLights Family Overnight includes:

Friday Night:

  • No tent, no problem! Guest will be sleeping in our indoor classrooms
  • Admission to ZooLights for the evening.
  • Dinner: A pizza party and salad
  • Special ZooLights themed scavenger hunt with prizes!
  • A meet and greet with an animal ambassador

Saturday Morning:

  • Continental Breakfast: bagels, pastries, yogurt, fruit, juice and coffee
  • Go behind the scenes at Stingray Bay, where you will help with opening the experience and the morning feeding.
  • Go behind the scenes at the Zoo’s Animal Nutrition Center and take a peek at what it takes to feed our many species.
  • Zoo Entry on Saturday with Giraffe Feeding & Stingray Bay Entry
  • All attendees under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a paid adult.
  • There must be at least one adult per three children.
  • Children ages 5 and up are welcome!
  • No tent, no problem – all guests will sleep in one of three classrooms at the Fresno Chaffee Zoo. Guests are required to bring their own blankets and pillows.
  • Parking is not included in the cost of the event; this fee is paid at ACE Parking Kiosks or on their app. Your guided portion of the event is complete at 10AM, you can explore the Zoo until closing time at 4PM.
  • Family Overnight is open to attendees ages 5 and up. All attendees must have a ticket. All children must have a chaperone 18 years old or older. The chaperone to child ratio is 1 adult to 3 children. Closed-toed shoes are required during Behind-the-Scenes tour.

Planning Your Visit


A few things to know before you go:

  • Dates & Times: November 19-25, 27-28, December 3-6, 11-13, 16-23, 26-30, January 1-3, 5:00 PM -9:00 PM
  • Location: Fresno Chaffee Zoo, 894 W Belmont Ave, Fresno, CA 93728

    Google Maps • Apple Maps • MapQuest
  • Daytime Hours: The Zoo is also open 9:00 AM– 4:00 PM for General Admission on ZooLights days, if you want to make a full day of it.
  • Arrival: We recommend arriving early for parking (and the shortest lines to see Santa).
  • Parking: The park has two entrances: one on Belmont Ave. and one on Olive Ave. On busy days when the Belmont entrance has heavy traffic, the Olive entrance is a great alternative.
    More information can be found on our Plan Your Visit page under Getting Here.
  • Parking Rates: The City of Fresno charges a $5 per car parking fee at Roeding Park. Parking rates are subject to change for holidays, special events, and other instances determined by the City of Fresno.
  • What’s Included: ZooLights admission includes evening access to the Zoo to experience Snowfall & Flurry and walk through a winter wonderland. You can take a picture with Santa at Santa’s Workshop, professional photos will be available for purchase. Buy a ticket on the NEW Holiday Express train, tickets available at the event! VIP Igloos are available to book online, limited spaces available, additional fees apply.

Don’t miss one of the funnest family Holiday events in Fresno! 

ZooLights FAQs

ZooLights is built for families with kids of all ages. Children ages 2–11 receive discounted child pricing; kids under 2 are free.

Yes! The Zoo is open for General Admission from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily (excluding select holidays), separate from the 5:00 PM–9:00 PM ZooLights event.

Parking is not included; the City of Fresno charges a $5 per car parking fee at Roeding Park. The parking lot has wheelchair-accessible spaces near the Zoo entrance.

The City of Fresno has added pay stations throughout Roeding Park to pay. There are 11 kiosks throughout the park. These kiosks accept exact cash (parking is $5) or card (with a $0.40 convenience fee). You can also pay via the ParkMobile App, available on the App Store and Google Play. Roeding Park annual parking pass holders have been grandfathered into the City’s updated parking system. You can learn more about parking here or read our accessibility section here.

We recommend buying online in advance, as ZooLights may sell out.

Yes! See our accessibility section for more details

Yes! Additionally, strollers, wheelchairs, and electric scooters are available to rent from the Safari Trading Co. gift shop on a first-come, first-serve basis.

You can see more about rental rates regarding mobility options here.

SNIFFARI NIGHT: ZooLights EDITION

November 29 & December 10

5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Join us for a tail-wagging good time at Sniffari Night – ZooLights edition! Bring your pup to the Zoo and come experience the magic of the Zoo lit up for the holidays together! Take your well-behaved, leashed dogs to see Santa and walk through the lights while sipping hot cocoa!

SNIFFARI NIGHT

Tickets & Pricing

Children 2 and under get in free!


Non-Members

ADULTS (12 & UP) • $19.00
CHILDREN (AGES 2-11) • $14.00
DOGS • $25.00

Members

ADULTS (12 & UP) • $17.00
CHILDREN (AGES 2-11) • $13.00
DOGS • $25.00

One dog ticket allowed per adult ticket. Each dog must be accompanied by a designated adult at all times. Guests without dogs are welcome to attend Sniffari Night ZooLights. Sniffari Night tickets do not include Zoo admission from 9:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. Non-service animal dogs are not permitted in the Zoo from 9:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. All Sniffari Night ticket sales are final. Tickets are non-refundable, non-transferable and must be used for the date they are purchased.

Requirements & Expectations


  • Dogs must have an up-to-date vaccination, including canine parvovirus and rabies
  • Dogs must be on a leash at all times. Leashes must be no longer than 6′ and non-retractable. Leashes must be attached at all times, even if the dog is in a carrier or stroller.
  • One dog ticket allowed per adult ticket. Each dog must be accompanied by a designated adult at all times.
  • Dogs must remain under their human’s control and not behave in an aggressive or disruptive manner. Excessive agitation of Zoo animals or guests because of barking or other behavior may result in the party being asked to leave the Zoo without a refund.
  • This opportunity is available for dogs only, no other pets allowed.
  • Fresno Chaffee Zoo is not responsible for any illnesses and/or injuries that may arise from attending Sniffari Night.

By entering Fresno Chaffee Zoo with your dog, you acknowledge and agree that you, as the dog’s owner/handler, assume full responsibility for the actions, behavior, and welfare of your animal. You further agree to release, indemnify, and hold harmless Fresno Chaffee Zoo, its staff, volunteers, and affiliates from any and all liability, claims, damages, injuries, illnesses, or expenses that may arise in connection with your participation in Sniffari Night, including but not limited to incidents involving your dog’s interactions with people, animals, or property. All dogs must remain on a secure leash and under your control at all times.

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