Event · Outdoors

WildLights 2026 at The Living Desert

When

Tue, Nov 24 · 6:00 PM–9:00 PM6:00pm – 9:00pm (8:30pm last admission) on November 24, 25, 28; December 4, 5, 10-12, 17-24, 26-30. Closed December 25.

Where

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens47900 Portola Avenue, Palm Desert, CA 92260Open in Google Maps ↗

Ages

All ages; child ticket 3-17 years old; free for children under 3

Cost

$25 General Admission; $23 Member Ticket; $20 Child Ticket (3-17 years old); Free for children under 3. Bundle with daytime admission $64.95/Adult, $49.95/ChildStrollers, wheelchairs and ECVs rentable first come, first served. Free parking in the zoo lot; overflow on Portola, Haystack and Buckboard Avenues.

Organizer

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

Upcoming dates: Tue, Nov 24 · Wed, Nov 25 · Sat, Nov 28 · Fri, Dec 4 · Sat, Dec 5 · Thu, Dec 10 · Fri, Dec 11 · Sat, Dec 12 · Thu, Dec 17 · Fri, Dec 18 · Sat, Dec 19 · Sun, Dec 20 · Mon, Dec 21 · Tue, Dec 22 · Wed, Dec 23 · Thu, Dec 24 · Sat, Dec 26 · Sun, Dec 27 · Mon, Dec 28 · Tue, Dec 29 · Wed, Dec 30

WildLights returns to The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert for the 2026 holiday season, presented by the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation. On select evenings from late November through December 30, families stroll through the zoo after dark among millions of lights, walk-through lighted exhibits, a 30-foot Christmas tree and a G-scale model train decorated for the holidays. The route passes through the African Safari section, where guests may spot rhinos, giraffes, zebras and African painted dogs. Free photos with Santa are offered through December 24, and the Grinch takes over the photo spot December 26–30. A s'mores station at Pronghorn Picnic Place, a hot chocolate bar and Bighorn Cafe dinners are available. Hours are 6–9 pm with last admission at 8:30 pm; daytime visitors must leave by 5 pm before WildLights entry opens at 6 pm. Tickets are date-specific and non-refundable, and the event runs in all weather. A day-plus-night bundle with daytime zoo admission is sold separately. Members get a preview night on November 23, and December 10 is a Dog Days 'Jingle Pups' night.