Zoo Lights
Zoo Lights 2026
Joy to the World
Experience the joy of the holidays at Zoo Lights presented by Evergy. This year’s Joy to the World theme transforms one of Topeka’s cherished holiday traditions into a dazzling celebration filled with brilliant lights, festive moments, and seasonal wonder.
November 20-December 27, 2026,
Rain, Shine, or Snow!
Zoo Lights Hours
November 20 – December 27
Sunday–Thursday: 5–9 PM
Friday & Saturday: 5–10 PM
Holiday Week Hours
Thanksgiving (Nov. 27): 5–9 PM
Dec. 23–27: 5–10 PM
Christmas (Dec. 25): 5–10 PM
Final night: December 27
Last ticket sold one hour before gates close.
Tickets
- Adult Tickets - $14
- Children (age 3-12) - $9
- Seniors (65+) - $9
Little ones under 2? They’re free to sparkle with you!
Museums for All admission is available every night of Zoo Lights.
Rent an Igloo
Enjoy Zoo Lights in comfort and style with your own private igloo! Each igloo features cozy décor and festive lights your group will love.
Upgrade your experience with festive candy and cocoa snack options, available to pre-order for your visit.
THE CUBE
New for Zoo Lights 2026, The Cube transforms the Ross Family Pavilion into a speakeasy-inspired holiday lounge filled with warm lighting, festive décor and comfortable seating open each night at Zoo Lights. Stop in Friday or Saturday to relax with specialty cocktails, beer, wine and seasonal beverages while enjoying the vibrant spirit of the Mexico-inspired village.
Experience the Joy of the Season
This year’s Joy to the World theme features immersive holiday zones and a dazzling Winter Wonderland. Stroll through beautifully illuminated displays, festive scenes, and larger-than-life light installations designed to celebrate the joy, wonder, and magic of the holidays.
Reserve a Magical Private Igloo Experience
Escape the winter chill and enjoy Zoo Lights from the comfort of your own private igloo. Cozy décor and festive lighting make it the perfect place to relax with family and friends.
Enhance your experience by pre-ordering a food and beverage package.
Featured Nights & Discounts
Calendar of special nights
Ready Set Roll! Special event with bikes, wagons and strollers for kids up to the age of 10. Additional details coming soon!
Glow Roll Parade
Every Wednesday from 5–9 PM Join us for a midweek glow-up! Everyone gets in for just $9.00, no other discounts apply. November 25, December 2, 9, 16 and 23.
Wild Wednesday
Thursday, Nov 26 · 5–9 PM. Celebrate the season with glowing gratitude! $2 off admission or $12 adults, $7 children & seniors.
Thanksgiving Special
The gingerbread houses are built, the icing is set, and now you get to decide who takes the cake! Stop by to see the incredible creations from local businesses and cast your vote for Best in Show and other fun categories. Who will earn the Golden Rolling Pin and bragging rights until next year? Think you can pick the sweetest one?
Gingerbread Contest
Friday, Dec 25 · 5-10 PM. End your holiday with a magical stroll under the lights. $2 off ticket online and at gate.
Christmas Night Special
Discounts Available
Military Discount
Military members receive 50% off admission for themselves and up to three guests.
Available at the gate only. Not valid with other discounts or on Wild Wednesdays.
MUseums for all
Museums for All guests can enjoy discounted admission to Zoo Lights each night. Other discounts and promotions do not apply. View details.
Visit Santa & Mrs. Claus at Zoo Lights November 20 to December 24
SPECIAL EVENT!
Come have Cookies with Claus on December 5th!
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 20 through December 27, 2026 – rain or shine (or snow!)
*Zoo Lights will be closed for private parties on November 23 and 24.
Regular Hours
Sunday–Thursday: 5–9 PM
Friday & Saturday: 5–10 PM
Last ticket sold 1-hour before closing.
Holiday Week Special Hours
- Dec 23-27 open until 10pm
- Thanksgiving, November 27- 5pm-9pm
- Christmas, December 25 5pm-10pm
- Last day - Dec 27
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: November 25, December 2, 9, 16 & 23
🦃 Thanksgiving Special
Thursday, Nov. 26 · 5–9 PM
Celebrate the season with glowing gratitude!
Get $2 off admission, available at the gate and online.
🎄 Christmas Night Special
Friday, Dec. 25 · 5–10 PM
End your holiday with a magical stroll under the lights.
Get $2 off admission at the gate and online.
💫 Year-Round Discounts
🎫 FOTZ Member Discount
Friends of the Zoo members save $3.00 on admission.
Bonus: Skip the wait with the South Gate Member Fast Line!
🎖 Military Discount
Military members receive 50% off admission for themselves and up to three guests.
Available at the gate only. Not valid with other discounts or on Wild Wednesdays.
🏛 Museums for All
Museums for All guests can enjoy discounted admission every night of Zoo Lights.
Other discounts and promotions cannot be combined. View details.
🏫 School & Group Discount
Bring your class or group and save!
Email help@topekazoo.org for details.
Along with other holiday friends, Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be here November 20-December 24, located inside the Big Gage building. You never know who you will run into at the Zoo Lights!
Purchase your tickets in advance to reserve your visit. All ticket sales are final and nonrefundable.
Can't make it on your selected date? No problem! If weather, illness, or life's unexpected moments change your plans, simply bring your unused ticket on another Zoo Lights event night. It will still be honored.
Zoo Lights is an outdoor event held throughout November and December. Please dress for the weather, wear comfortable walking shoes, and prepare for a festive evening in the winter air.
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 Gingerbread Village, the Sunflower's 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.
Wild Gift Ideas for your Flock!
Wildly Wonderful Gifts
in the Zoo Gift Shop! 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 below and then visit us to complete your holiday shopping!
A Holiday Memory Set in Stone
Looking for a meaningful Gift? Give a brick this holiday season and leave a Lasting Legacy at the Topeka Zoo. Bricks will be placed in front of the Giraffe & Friends Building.
Red Panda Paws
Details Coming Soon!
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.
