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.

Limited wildlife viewing after 4:00 p.m. Please see the Wild Holidays Park map for designated closed areas. Last Africa Tram departs at 4:00 p.m.

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

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.

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.

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

November 29–30 and December 1, 7–8, 14–15, 21–23: 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 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

'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.

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.

Turtle Doves

4:15, 5:15, 6:15, and 7:15 p.m. (30 minutes)
Flightline Plaza

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

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.

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

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

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

5–8 p.m. (Continuous)
World Gardens

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

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

Times vary by location
Throughout the Park

Tis the season for comfy treats. Holiday merrymaking is thirsty—and hungry—work. There are plenty of scrumptious goodies to enjoy around the Safari Park during this wonderful time of year, including delicious craft cocktails on tap, our crispy chicken casserole, chipotle-cranberry burger, roasted cauliflower salad, and more. Follow your tastebuds and discover other delectable delights like a variety of gourmet hot chocolate, warm cinnamon rolls, satisfying ice cream sundaes, and all the flavors of the season.

Menu subject to change. Guests must be 21 years of age or older with a valid ID to consume alcoholic beverages.