San Diego’s two world-class wildlife parks have a good time 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 you might want to know for the 2025-26 season.
The excellent news is that the occasions are included with common admission or membership. If in case you have the time, I like to recommend seeing each!
(Since there are just a few days left of every celebration and my inbox is filled with “is it value it” questions, I figured it’s higher late than by no means to get you all the data in a single place!)
This information focuses particularly on vacation occasions at San Diego Zoo and Safari Park. For an even bigger roundup of parades, mild shows, markets, and occasions throughout the county, see our full information to Christmas in San Diego.
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 will likely 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 purpose is to create a winter feeling that’s uncommon in San Diego. Most guests plan their night round catching this not less than 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 referred to as cleaning soap bubbles that children inevitably chase. (Tip: They promote bubble blowers within the shapes of the assorted Zoo animals within the present retailers.)
Northern Frontier Vacation Forest
The trail resulting in the polar bears is lined with specifically illuminated white bushes, making a cool, icy blue ambiance good for images. It’s one of many best locations take images, particularly if the central plazas are crowded.
Dr. Zoolittle Present
When you’re visiting with youthful youngsters, plan to see this interactive stage present. It’s fast-paced and provides youngsters an opportunity to maneuver round and snicker at foolish jokes.
Native’s Suggestions for a Nice Go to
Trip the Skyfari at Night time
The view is unbelievable throughout the day, however you must attempt 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 in the event you’re coming only for the vacation occasion, plan for a bit of little bit of daylight. Arriving by mid-to-late afternoon offers you time to see some displays, eat dinner, after which transition naturally into the vacation portion as soon as the lights come on.
Weekend Evenings Are Busy
Jungle Bells is common, and the Zoo’s paths are slender 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 exhausting to navigate with a stroller. Take into consideration going with a child provider as a substitute.
1-Day Move – My Promo Code for the Zoo or Safari Park
Skip the ticket line, as these could be printed or scanned on a cellular gadget. They’re additionally legitimate for one 12 months from the acquisition date!
Closing value (after my low cost): $68/ages 12+ and $58/ages 3–11
Use promo code lajollamom to save lots of $8 at each parks beneath!
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 totally different from Jungle Bells. The Safari Park’s bigger dimension naturally spreads folks out, which makes the occasion really feel like a extra peaceable lantern pageant. You’ll see lots 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 picket 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 teenagers and images.
Firefly Stilt Walkers
These performers put on glowing, articulated costumes that make them appear to be large, elegant bugs. They’re not your common stilt walkers, as I see them at numerous occasions that I attend at each parks. The costumes (and their capability to stroll in them) are mesmerizing.
Gentle Up the Holidays
This brief, synchronized lighting present takes place at Safari Base Camp, the park’s primary gathering space close to the doorway. Lights ripple via the encompassing bushes and buildings, timed to vacation music. It’s not one thing that you just plan your go to round, as you’ll seemingly see it just a few instances as you benefit from the night.
Native’s Suggestions for a Nice Go to
Gown Hotter Than You Anticipate
Any go to to the Safari Park ought to contain layers. Its inland location means it’s in a special microclimate than on the coast. Temperatures drop shortly 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 stay in big, unlit fields. Their habitat is pitch black at evening, so you’ll not see them throughout Wild Holidays. When you’re attempting 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 a great time to reap the benefits of 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 be capable to park at no cost.
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 usually 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 will likely be part of all memberships. Vacationers ought to think about a 2-Go to go or Go Metropolis, which might embody each parks. I may also help you resolve in my breakdown of San Diego Zoo ticket choices.
Climate Issues
Each occasions are open air. Heavy rain can have an effect on projection reveals or roaming performers, so it’s value checking the forecast, particularly earlier than driving as much as Escondido at evening. Word that each parks are open twelve months a 12 months, rain or shine. I speak about why folks just like the San Diego Zoo within the rain. Significantly. Some animals love mud and are extra lively than normal. Now, will you see that at evening? Most likely not, however don’t let a bit of 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 totally different nights!
Our different two theme parks additionally go all out for the vacations. Study extra about SeaWorld San Diego holidays and LEGOLAND California holidays.
