Wild Holidays 2024

Select Evenings November 29, 2024–January 5, 2025

Wild Holidays

Celebrate the holidays and see the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in a whole new light! Go on an expedition of light and travel through places that glow, shine, and twinkle with holiday cheer. Fanciful characters, musical entertainment, festive storytelling, and culinary treats create family fun and get everyone in the spirit of the season!

 

Wild Holidays is scheduled on the following dates: November 29–December 1; December 7–8, 14–15, 21–23; and December 26–January 5, 2025. On Wild Holidays dates, the Safari Park is open until 8 p.m.

 

Wild Holidays activities and entertainment are included with admission tickets or membership.

 

 

Wild Holidays Map

View the San Diego Zoo Safari Park Wild Holidays map online and plan your visit.
DOWNLOAD THE PDF HERE ▸

SAFARI BASE CAMP

Safari Park Radio 197.2 FM.

Safari Park Radio 197.2

  • 4–8 p.m. (Continuous)
  • Near Whistling Duck Bar, Safari Base Camp

The Safari Park’s very own radio station returns with a mix of contemporary and traditional sounds of the season.

Celebration Tree

Wild Holidays Celebration Tree

  • 4–8 p.m. (Continuous)
  • Safari Base Camp

Experience the fun of a giant Safari Park-themed tree with unique wildlife decorations and festive holiday lighting.

Holiday Lights

Light Up the Holidays

  • 5 minutes
  • Safari Base Camp

This area comes to life when it lights up with a choreographed display and merry holiday soundtrack.

  • Carol of the Bells Medley – 5, 6, 7, and 8 p.m.
  • Jingle Bells and More Medley – 5:30, 6:30, and 7:30 p.m.
Santa with a child whispering in his ear

Santa

  • November 29–30 and December 1, 7–8, 14–15, 22–23, and 24–25: Noon–8 p.m.; December 24: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; December 25: Noon–5 p.m.
  • Safari Base Camp

Have your photo taken and visit with the jolly old elf himself before he travels back to the North Pole.

Santa will be away at the following times:

  • 2–2:15 p.m.: Zoom call with elves.
  • 4:15-4:45 p.m.: Toy inventory.
  • 6:30–6:45 p.m.: Santa will be making his list and checking it twice.


On December 24, Santa will be away at the following times:

  • 11:45 a.m.-Noon: Zoom call with elves.
  • 2-2:30 p.m.: Toy inventory.
  • 3:45-4 p.m.: Santa will be checking his list and checking it twice.


On December 25, Santa will be away at the following times:

  • 2-2:15 p.m.: Zoom call with elves
  • 3:30-4 p.m.: Preparing to return to the North Pole
Bridge with archway of lights

Bridge of Lights

  • 5–8 p.m. (Continuous)
  • Safari Walk Bridge, Safari Base Camp

Let your holiday expedition take you through this musical and magical tunnel of light.

NAIROBI VILLAGE / AFRICAN WOODS

Safari Parker

'Twas the Night before Wild Holidays

  • 4, 5, 6, and 7 p.m. (20 minutes)
  • Village Playground

Join Safari Parker, adventurer extraordinaire, for interactive fun and surprises as he reads his original holiday story, ’Twas the Night before Wild Holidays, ending in a cheerful, wintery finale.

Holidays troubadour

Holiday Troubadour

  • 4:30, 5:30, 6:30, and 7:30 p.m. (30 minutes)
  • Village Playground

Interact and sing along with our talented acoustic holiday musician during these delightful seasonal tunes.

Wild Holidays violinists

Turtle Doves

  • 4:15, 5:15, 6:15, and 7:15 p.m. (40 minutes)
  • Flightline Plaza

This violin duo performs all your holiday favorites in a classical, symphonic style.

Lantern walkway

Nairobi Lantern Walk

  • 5–8 p.m. (Continuous)
  • Nairobi Walk, Nairobi Village

Journey down the illuminated walk and experience the lanterns as their lights dance to a musical soundtrack.

lights on a lagoon

Enchanted Lagoon

  • 5–8 p.m. (Continuous)
  • Mombasa Lagoon, Nairobi Village

Mombasa Lagoon becomes even more enchanted when it comes to life with sparkling, flickering, and floating holiday lights, adding seasonal ambience to the beauty of the lighted waterfall.

TIGER TRAIL and BEYOND

Wild holidays lighted path

The Spirit of the Season

  • 5–8 p.m. (Continuous)
  • Sambutan Longhouse at Tiger Trail, Zuest Woolshed at Walkabout Australia, World Gardens, and Condor Ridge

Experience the magic of the season. These locations are decked out with holiday décor and specially designed lighted trees—perfect for a family photo!

Forest of Color

Forest of Color

  • 5–8 p.m. (Continuous)
  • Arbor Walk

See the forest illuminated with beautiful holiday lights as Condor Valley glistens with seasonal magic.

WORLD GARDENS

Baja Garden

Baja Garden

  • 5–8 p.m. (Continuous)
  • World Gardens

Explore these amazing Southwest gardens, festively illuminated and glowing with seasonal cheer.

Guitar and percussion musical duo.

Sweater Weather

  • 4, 5, 6, and 7 p.m. (30 minutes)
  • Traveling through World Gardens and Walkabout Australia

Enjoy an acoustic performance by this traveling guitar and percussion duo as they put their own spin on holiday classics.

CULINARY OFFERINGS

Wild Holidays Culinary Specials
  • Times vary by location
  • Throughout the Park

Wintertime is the season for hot chocolate! Try one of our many gourmet hot chocolate flavors through our various locations. Enjoy something sweet by trying a warm apple cinnamon roll paired with a delicious craft cocktail on tap!

Menu subject to change – ID required 21+

ShopZoo Safari Summer on the Savanna
Safari Summer on the Savanna

Outfit Your Herd for Adventures

SDZWA adventures botswana elephant
SDZWA Adventures

Come Travel with Us!

Hotel with pool
Creature Comforts

PREFERRED HOTELS

couple wearing ryen spooner merch
Soar into Island Style

Reyn Spooner Pacific Islands Collection

Groom and bride embracing as a giraffe looks on in the distance.
Wild Weddings

Picture Your Special Day at the Park!