San Diego’s two world-class wildlife parks celebrate the holidays in completely different ways. Whether you want to take part in a vibrant celebration jungle bells Adventure at the zoo or magical lantern wild vacation At the Safari Park, this guide covers everything you need to know heading into the 2025-26 season.
The good news is these events are included with regular admission or membership. If you have time, I recommend watching both!
(Since there are still a few days left for each celebration and my inbox is flooded with “is it worth it” questions, I figured it’s better late than never to get all the information in one place!)
This guide focuses specifically on holiday events at the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park. For more roundups of parades, light displays, markets and events across the county, see our Complete Guide Christmas in San Diego.
Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo
Overview
- when: December 19, 2025 to January 4, 2026
- Business hours: Open until 8pm every night (closes early on December 24)
- Where: Balboa Park
- cost: Included in zoo admission or membership fee
- PARKING: Free, but after January 5, 2026 the fee is $16 for non-members
Jungle bells turn the zoo into a festival. The special show starts in the late afternoon, but once the lights come up you’ll really notice the difference. It’s then that the park becomes busy and celebratory, with music, projections and performances spread throughout the hills and winding pathways.
Popular holiday attractions
Aurora projection show
This was a must-see event of the night. This is a large-scale 3D projection show at Huamei Plaza, turning buildings into wind, water and ice. Its goal is to create a rare winter feel in San Diego. Most visitors plan to watch it at least once in the evening.
metal foil
This long-loved show, which takes place near the entrance, usually ends their performance with a burst of “snaps,” also known as soap bubbles, that kids inevitably chase. (Tip: The gift shop sells bubble blowers in the shapes of various zoo animals.)
north border holiday forest
The path to the polar bears is lined with specially lit white trees, creating a cool, icy blue atmosphere perfect for photos. This is one of the easiest places to take photos, especially if the central square is crowded.
Dr. Zoo Show
If you’re visiting with young children, plan to see this interactive stage show. It’s fast-paced and gives kids a chance to move around and laugh at silly jokes.
Great travel tips from locals
Skyfari ride at night
The views are amazing during the day, but you should try Skyfari after dark. You ride the aerial tram high enough above the treetops to see the lights of the entire zoo, with the California Tower lighting up in the distance.
Plan to arrive early
It can be difficult to see animals when the sun goes down, so plan for a little daylight if you’re just coming for a holiday event. Arrive mid-to-late afternoon and you’ll have time to view some of the exhibits, enjoy dinner, and then transition naturally to the holiday portion once the lights come on.
Very busy on weekend nights
The Jungle Bells are popular and the zoo’s roads are narrow and hilly. Weekday evenings in early December are easier to get through than weekends or school holiday days. We went on a Friday night and the path was crowded and difficult to navigate with a stroller. Consider using a baby carrier.
One Day Pass – My 2026promo codezoo or safari park
No need to queue for tickets as these can be printed or scanned on your mobile device. They are valid for one year from the date of purchase!
Final price (after discounts): $70/ages 12+, $60/ages 3-11
Use promo code raggioramom Save $8 at the following two parks!
A wild holiday at the safari park
Overview:
- when: November 28 to 30; December 19 to 23; December 26, 2025 to January 4, 2026
- Business hours: Open until 8pm on event nights
- Where: Escondido (about 30 miles north of downtown)
- cost: Included with safari ticket or membership
- PARKING: Parking fee is $20 per vehicle.
The feel of “Wild Holidays” is very different from “Jungle Bells.” The larger size of the wildlife park naturally spreads the focus, making the event feel like a more peaceful Lantern Festival. You’ll see many illuminated animal sculptures and ambient light trails that you wouldn’t normally see.
Popular holiday attractions
bridge of light
Near the entrance, you’ll cross a wide wooden bridge that’s lined with thousands of lights and accompanied by holiday music as you enter the Wild Holidays. This is a great Instagram moment.
Nairobi Lantern Walk
Lanterns in the shape of animals line the paths of Nairobi Village. Since this is the most family-friendly area of the park, it’s a must-visit for kids and photos.
firefly stiltss
The performers wear glowing, articulated costumes that make them look like giant, graceful insects. They were no ordinary stilt walkers, as I saw at various events I attended at both parks. The costumes (and their ability to walk in them) are mesmerizing.
Light up the holidays
This short synchronized light show Safari base campthe main gathering area near the entrance to the park. Lights ripple through the surrounding trees and buildings to the rhythm of holiday music. This is not what you plan to visit as you may see it a few times as you enjoy your evening.
Great travel tips from locals
Dress warmer than you think
Any safari visit should involve layers. Its inland location means its microclimate is different from that of the coast. The temperature drops quickly after sunset, so I would bring a jacket and maybe a beanie.
Animal viewing earlier in the day
The famous rhinos and giraffes live in vast, lightless fields. Their habitat is dark nightso you won’t see them during the Wild Holidays. If you want to visit the park and enjoy the Christmas activities, ride the African Tram in the late afternoon before it stops running at 4pm
You’ll find comfort food
Cold nights are a great time to enjoy hearty menu items like mac and cheese or poutine.
Practical planning notes
Parking Fee
In 2026, both parks will charge parking fees, which are paid separately from admission. Parking will still be free for Jungle Bells 2025 attendees.
membership value
Both festival events are included in membership. If you plan to visit both parks (one night at Jungle Bells and one night at Wild Holidays), membership is usually better value for money than buying two separate day passes plus a safari parking spot ($20). Safari Park offers some memberships, but not all. Zoo parking will be part of all memberships. Visitors should consider purchasing a 2-visit pass or Go City, which includes both parks. I can help you decide in my segment San Diego Zoo Ticket Options.
weather factors
Both events are held outdoors. Heavy rain may affect projection shows or roaming performers, so it’s worth checking the weather forecast, especially before driving to Escondido at night. Please note that both parks are open 365 days a year, rain or shine. I’ll tell you why People love the San Diego Zoo in the rain. Seriously. Some animals like the mud and are more active than usual. Now, will you see it at night? Probably not, but don’t let a little rain scare you away.
bottom line
It’s not about choosing which activity is better. Jungle Bells is buzzing, centrally located and feels like a big night out. After dark, Wild Holidays are more spread out and easier to traverse. Many families enjoy visiting if your schedule allows Both On a different night!
Our two other theme parks are also going all out for the holidays. Learn more about SeaWorld San Diego Vacations and Legoland California Vacations.