Wild Holidays Select Nights Nov 28 thru Jan 4

Select Evenings November 28, 2025–January 4, 2026

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. Musical entertainment, festive storytelling, and culinary treats create family fun that gets everyone in the spirit of the season.

 

Wild Holidays is scheduled on the following dates: November 28–30; December 19–23; and December 26–January 4, 2026. 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)
  • Safari Base Camp

The Safari Park’s very own radio station returns with a jolly 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 sprinkled with unique wildlife decorations and beautiful holiday lighting.

Holiday Lights

Light Up the Holidays

  • 5 minutes
  • Safari Base Camp

The area comes to life as it lights up in a choreographed display with a 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.
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.

Santa with a child whispering in his ear

Santa

  • November 28–30 and December 19–23: Noon–8 p.m.; December 6–7, 13–14: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; December 24–25: 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
  • Safari Base Camp

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

On November 28–30 and December 19–23, 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.: Making a list and checking it twice.


On December 6–7 and 13–14, 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.: Making a list and checking it twice.


On December 24–25, Santa will be away at the following times:

  • 11:45 a.m.–Noon: Zoom call with elves.
  • 1:30–2 p.m.: Preparing to return to the North Pole. 
     

NAIROBI VILLAGE / AFRICAN WOODS

Safari Parker

'Twas the Night before Wild Holidays

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

Join adventurer extraordinaire Safari Parker for interactive fun and surprises as they read the 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, Nairobi Village

Interact and sing along with our talented acoustic holiday musician that spreads cheer for all to hear.

Wild Holidays violinists

Turtle Doves

  • 4:15, 5:15, 6:15, and 7:15 p.m. (30 minutes)
  • Nairobi Walk, Nairobi Village

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 path 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 enchanting 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 that make for the perfect family photo opportunity.

Forest of Color

Forest of Color

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

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

WORLD GARDENS

Baja Garden

Baja Garden

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

Stroll through these incredible Southwest gardens aglow with holiday 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 duo as they put their own spin on holiday classics.

CULINARY OFFERINGS

Wild Holidays Culinary Specials
  • 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 satisfying roasted cauliflower salad, and more.

Follow your tastebuds and discover other delectable delights like gooey cookie butter cinnamon rolls, refreshing peppermint bark, a variety of gourmet hot chocolate, 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.

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