San Diego’s two world-class wildlife parks rejoice the vacations in utterly alternative ways. Whether or not you need the high-energy festivities of Jungle Bells on the Zoo or the magical, lantern-lit expedition of Wild Holidays on the Safari Park, this information covers every little thing that you must know for the 2025-26 season.

The excellent news is that the occasions are included with common admission or membership. When you have the time, I like to recommend seeing each!

(Since there are a couple of days left of every celebration and my inbox is stuffed with “is it value it” questions, I figured it’s higher late than by no means to get you all the information in a single place!)

Jungle Bells on the San Diego Zoo

At a Look

• When: December 19, 2025–January 4, 2026
• Hours: Open nightly till 8 p.m. (closes early on December 24)
• The place: Balboa Park
• Price: Included with Zoo admission or membership
• Parking: Free, however might be $16 for non-members after January 5, 2026

Jungle Bells turns the Zoo into a vacation pageant. The particular performances begin within the late afternoon, however you’ll actually discover the distinction as soon as the lights come on. It’s actually then that the park feels busy and celebratory, with music, projections, and performances layered all through its hills and winding paths.

High Vacation Sights to See

Aurora Projection Present
That is the must-see occasion of the evening. It’s a huge 3D projection mapping present at Hua Mei Plaza that turns the buildings into wind, water, and ice. Its aim is to create a winter feeling that’s uncommon in San Diego. Most guests plan their night round catching this at the least as soon as.

The Tinseltones
This longtime favourite performs close to the doorway and normally ends their set with a blast of “snoap” in any other case often known as cleaning soap bubbles that children inevitably chase. (Tip: They promote bubble blowers within the shapes of the assorted Zoo animals within the reward outlets.)

Northern Frontier Vacation Forest
The trail resulting in the polar bears is lined with specifically illuminated white timber, making a cool, icy blue environment excellent for pictures. It’s one of many best locations take pictures, particularly if the central plazas are crowded.

Dr. Zoolittle Present
When you’re visiting with youthful children, plan to see this interactive stage present. It’s fast-paced and offers children an opportunity to maneuver round and snigger at foolish jokes.

Native’s Suggestions for a Nice Go to

Experience the Skyfari at Night time
The view is improbable throughout the day, however it’s best to strive Skyfari after darkish. You’re excessive sufficient within the aerial tram above the treetops, letting you see the lights throughout the Zoo, with the California Tower lit up within the distance.

Plan to Arrive Earlier
It may be difficult to see the animals when the solar goes down, so for those who’re coming only for the vacation occasion, plan for just a little little bit of daylight. Arriving by mid-to-late afternoon provides you time to see some reveals, eat dinner, after which transition naturally into the vacation portion as soon as the lights come on.

Weekend Evenings Are Busy
Jungle Bells is widespread, and the Zoo’s paths are slim and hilly. Weeknights in early December are noticeably simpler to navigate than weekends or school-break dates. We went on a Friday night, and the paths have been crowded and laborious to navigate with a stroller. Take into consideration going with a child provider as a substitute.

Wild Holidays on the Safari Park

At a Look:

• When: November 28–30; December 19–23; December 26, 2025–January 4, 2026
• Hours: Open till 8 p.m. on occasion nights
• The place: Escondido (about 30 miles north of downtown)
• Price: Included with Safari Park admission or membership
• Parking: Parking is $20 per automotive.

Wild Holidays feels very completely different from Jungle Bells. The Safari Park’s bigger measurement naturally spreads folks out, which makes the occasion really feel like a extra peaceable lantern pageant. You’ll see loads of glowing animal sculptures and ambient-light walks that aren’t usually there.

High Vacation Sights to See

Bridge of Lights
Close to the doorway, you’ll cross a large wood bridge that’s lined overhead with 1000’s of lights set to vacation music as you enter Wild Holidays. It’s a neat Instagram second.

Nairobi Lantern Stroll
Lanterns formed like animals line the paths all through Nairobi Village. Since that is essentially the most family-friendly space of the park, it’s a must-stop for youths and pictures.

Firefly Stilt Walkers
These performers put on glowing, articulated costumes that make them seem like big, elegant bugs. They’re not your common stilt walkers, as I see them at varied occasions that I attend at each parks. The costumes (and their means to stroll in them) are mesmerizing.

Mild Up the Holidays
This brief, synchronized lighting present takes place at Safari Base Camp, the park’s major gathering space close to the doorway. Lights ripple via the encompassing timber and buildings, timed to vacation music. It’s not one thing that you just plan your go to round, as you’ll doubtless see it a couple of instances as you benefit from the night.

Native’s Suggestions for a Nice Go to

Gown Hotter Than You Count on
Any go to to the Safari Park ought to contain layers. Its inland location means it’s in a distinct microclimate than on the coast. Temperatures drop rapidly after sundown in order that I’d deliver a jacket and maybe a beanie.

See Animals Earlier within the Day
The well-known rhinos and giraffes reside in big, unlit fields. Their habitat is pitch black at evening, so you’ll not see them throughout Wild Holidays. When you’re making an attempt to see the park and benefit from the Christmas occasions, take the Africa Tram within the late afternoon earlier than it stops working at 4 p.m.

You’ll Discover Consolation Meals
Chilly evenings make this an excellent time to benefit from the heartier menu gadgets just like the mac and cheese or poutine.

Sensible Planning Notes

Parking Charges
In 2026, each parks will cost for parking, which you’ll pay individually from admission. Attendees of Jungle Bells 2025 will nonetheless have the ability to park without spending a dime.

Membership Worth
Each vacation occasions are included with membership. When you plan to go to each parks (one evening for Jungle Bells, one for Wild Holidays), a membership typically pays for itself in comparison with shopping for two separate day tickets plus Safari Park parking ($20). Safari Park parking comes with some however not all memberships. Zoo parking might be part of all memberships. Vacationers ought to contemplate a 2-Go to move or Go Metropolis, which may embody each parks. I may also help you determine in my breakdown of San Diego Zoo ticket choices.

Climate Concerns
Each occasions are outside. Heavy rain can have an effect on projection exhibits or roaming performers, so it’s value checking the forecast, particularly earlier than driving as much as Escondido at evening. Be aware that each parks are open 12 months a yr, rain or shine. I speak about why folks just like the San Diego Zoo within the rain. Critically. Some animals love mud and are extra lively than normal. Now, will you see that at evening? In all probability not, however don’t let just a little rain scare you away.

Backside Line

This isn’t about selecting which occasion is healthier. Jungle Bells is energetic, central, and seems like an enormous evening out. Wild Holidays is extra unfold out and simpler to maneuver via as soon as it will get darkish. In case your schedule permits, many households get pleasure from visiting each on completely different nights!

Our different two theme parks additionally go all out for the vacations. Be taught extra about SeaWorld San Diego holidays and LEGOLAND California holidays.