ZooLights: Thanksgiving Family Nights at Phoenix Zoo
Through Nov 29Nov 25 – Nov 29 · 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM · Wednesday, November 25 through Sunday, November 29, 2026 (open Thanksgiving night!); 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM nightly (last entry at 10:00 PM)
Phoenix Zoo455 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008 · 7.1 mi approx. from PhoenixDirections
All ages welcome; 100% stroller-friendly paved zoo pathways; sensory-friendly quiet areas available
From $30$30–$35 general admission; free for children ages 2 and under; advance timed-entry online tickets required
About this adventure
A Valley holiday tradition for over thirty years, ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo opens its gates for the season during Thanksgiving week and remains fully open on Thanksgiving evening, giving families a wonderful post-dinner desert stroll. Millions of twinkling LED lights illuminate the lakeside trails, towering palm trees, and native saguaros of Papago Park. The walking experience features glowing wildlife lantern displays, a 200-foot light tunnel synchronized to holiday music, and the Music in Motion lake light show across the zoo's central lagoon. Children can roast s'mores over outdoor fire pits, sip warm spiced cider, and take photos with Santa. Paved trails throughout the zoo make it effortless for strollers and wagons.
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