Zoo Lights 2025
Holidays Around The World
Ring in the Holiday season with Zoo Lights Presented by Evergy, one of Topeka’s treasured holiday traditions returning for its sixth season.
November 21 – December 31, 2025
Rain, Shine, or Snow!
Zoo Lights
Gates Open:
Zoo Lights Hours
November 21 – December 31
Sunday–Thursday: 5–9 PM
Friday & Saturday: 5–10 PM
Holiday Week Adjustments
Thanksgiving (Nov 27): 6–9 PM
Christmas (Dec 25): 6–9 PM
Dec 21–28: 5-10 PM
Dec 29–31: Open until 9 PM
Last ticket sold at 1-hour before gates close.
Tickets
- Adult Tickets - $14
- Children (age 3-12) - $9
- Seniors (60+) - $9
Little ones under 2? They’re free to sparkle with you!
Rent an Igloo
Enjoy Zoo Lights in warmth and style with your own heated igloo! Each igloo features cozy décor, and festive lights your group will love.
Upgrade your experience with multiple candy & cocoa snack options.
Experience Holidays from Across the Globe
This year’s theme, Holidays Around the World, features 7 immersive zones and a sparkling Winter Wonderland. Each area reflects the colors, traditions, and decorations of a unique culture — from a giant sugar skull in Mexico to glowing koi and cherry blossoms in Japan.
Reserve a Magical Private Igloo Experience
Enjoy Zoo Lights in warmth and style with your own igloo! Each igloo features cozy décor, and festive lights your group will love.
Upgrade your experience with multiple candy & cocoa snack options.
Featured Nights & Discounts
Wild Wednesdays
Every Wednesday from 5–9 PM
Join us for a midweek glow-up!
Everyone gets in for just $9.00 — no other discounts apply.
Thanksgiving Special
Thursday, Nov 27 · 6–9 PM
Celebrate the season with glowing gratitude!
Get $2 off admission — available at the gate only.
Christmas Night Special
Thursday, Dec 25 · 6–9 PM
End your holiday with a magical stroll under the lights.
$2 off gate admission.
Interested in booking a group or a Party at the Zoo?
Snap a Selfie with Holiday Friends!
Capture the memories! You never know who you’ll bump into…
Sip Something Sweet & Shop Something Special at Zoo Lights This Year!
Sip, snack, and shop your way through Zoo Lights! You’ll find:
- Hot cocoa stand
- A variety of Seasonal food & Drink
- Retail booths & zoo gift shop
- Giving Tree program – Support OUr Zoo Animals
- 21+ Holiday Bar
Zoo Lights
Frequently
Asked
Questions
November 21 through December 31, 2025 – rain or shine (or snow!)
*Zoo Lights will be closed for private parties on November 24, 25 and December 1.
Regular Hours
Sunday–Thursday: 5–9 PM
Friday & Saturday: 5–10 PM
Last ticket sold 1-hour before closing.
Holiday Week Special Hours
Thanksgiving (Nov 27): 6–9 PM
Christmas (Dec 25): 6–9 PM
Dec 26–28: Open until 10 PM
Dec 29–31: Open until 9 PM
Last ticket sold 1-hour before closing.
Please note that during zoo lights, the zoo closes promptly at 4:00pm.
Adults: $14
Children (3-12): $9
Seniors (60+): $9
2 and under get in free!
* Check out our discounts
🎁 Special Offers & Discounts
✨ Featured Nights
🌟 Wild Wednesdays
Every Wednesday from 5–9 PM
Join us for a midweek glow-up!
Everyone gets in for just $9.00 — no other discounts apply.
Dates: Nov 26, Dec 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
🦃 Thanksgiving Special
Thursday, Nov 27 · 6–9 PM
Celebrate the season with glowing gratitude!
Get $2 off admission — available at the gate only.
🎄 Christmas Night Special
Thursday, Dec 25 · 6–9 PM
End your holiday with a magical stroll under the lights.
$2 off gate admission.
💫 Year-Round Discounts
🎫 FOTZ Member Discount
Friends of the Zoo members save $3.00 on admission.
Bonus: skip the wait at the South Gate Member Fast Line!
🎖 Military Discount
Military members receive 50% off for themselves and up to three guests.
Available at the gate only.
Not valid with other discounts or on Wild Wednesdays.
🏫 School & Group Discount
Bring your class or group and save!
Email us at help@topekazoo.org for details.
Along with other holiday friends, Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be here November 21-December 24, located inside the Big Gage building. You never know who you will run into at the Zoo Lights!
Tickets can be purchased in advance and are nonrefundable.
Never fear! Did weather, illness, or just plain ol' life get in the way of attending the night you purchased tickets for? Just come visit another day and your ticket will still be accepted!
Zoo Lights is an outdoor event in November & December. Please dress warm and understand that we do not control the weather so it might be cold.
Exciting! Email us at help@topekazoo.org!
We'll have tons of delicious treats and drinks available all around the zoo!
You can purchase them in Zooville, the Sunflower Cafe, and Camp Cowabunga!
You can get Hot Chocolate in them. For the adults, you can ask for a “spiked” hot chocolate!
Get Tickets
Secure your spot early and join us for a magical holiday adventure!
Reserve an Igloo
Make your night extra special with a private, cozy igloo experience.
The Light Map
(Coming Soon) Plan your evening stroll with our guide to all the dazzling displays.
Wildly wonderful Gifts
Find the perfect present and make a difference this holiday season. Whether it’s a soft plush, stylish hat, children’s tee, or nature-inspired jewelry, every purchase supports the Topeka Zoo — and some items directly benefit the animals you love. Browse the gallery, then visit us to complete your holiday shopping. This is just a small sampling of the items we have available!
Give the Gift of Adventure
Give the gift that lasts all year—unlimited visits, exclusive perks, and unforgettable zoo adventures!
Brighten the Zoo’s Holidays &
See What’s on Our Giving Tree!
Learn how simple and fun it is to support our animal ambassadors this festive season! Discover the items they need, where to find the Giving Trees around Topeka, and how you can make the holidays extra special for our creatures. Click below to find out how you can spread a little zoo cheer—with just one tag.
Thank You to Our Zoo Light Elves!
Interested in being an elf? It’s easy! Send us an email with the button below and we will be happy to chat!
All proceeds benefit FOTZ, a non-profit organization that supports the Topeka Zoo through guest experiences, animal care, conservation efforts, and educational programs and camps.
