ZooLights Starts at San Francisco Zoo & Gardens TONIGHT!

SAN FRANCISCO – San Francisco Zoo & Gardens welcomes the community to see the Zoo in a whole new light at ZooLights! The annual event begins Friday, December 16 at 5:00 pm with the lighting of the Christmas tree in Entry Village and grand opening of the family-friendly holiday experience with bright lights, live music, food and drinks, Santa Claus and more.

This year’s program, which runs from December 16-30, includes two main attractions - Reindeer Village and Winter Wonderland. Reindeer Village, located near the Playground, features live reindeer, snow flurries, and the Elinor Friend Playground. Winter Wonderland is located near the Lion Fountain and showcases the Holiday Marketplace with local vendors, food, drinks and live musical entertainment.

Santa’s Workshop is nearby in the Lion House, where kids can take a picture with Santa Claus at no charge. Attendees can take a ride on the Little Puffer Steam Train and Dentzel Carousel. Animals like giraffes, penguins and sifakas will be visible at their exhibits. During opening weekend of ZooLights, SF Zoo is excited to partner with PLAE Shoes to offer a complimentary pair of kids’ shoes to the first 1,000 children with paid admission while sizes and supplies last.

For every pair of shoes distributed, SF Zoo and PLAE will donate a pair of shoes to charities for children! There is no admission charge for San Francisco Zoo & Gardens Members and Guardians. Tickets range from $6 for kids 4-14 years to $8 for adults. There is no charge for children 3 years and younger. Zoo Lights is closed Dec. 24 & 25 and Santa goes back to the North Pole after Christmas. Everybody now....BOOOO!

Event Details

Who: ZooLights attendees, PLAE Shoes, and local vendors What: ZooLights 2016 - See the Zoo in a whole new light Where: Sloat Blvd. and Great Highway, San Francisco, CA 94132 When: Friday, December 16 from 5:00-8:00 pm Visuals: Lighting of the Christmas tree in Entry Village, PLAE Shoe distribution, lights illuminating trees, pathways and structures, reindeer, snow flurries, pictures with Santa, Holiday Marketplace, and more.

Best time for coverage: 5:00 pm for the lighting of the tree and grand opening of ZooLights (please arrive early to account for parking and setting up for the 5:00 pm lighting)