San Diego’s two world-class wildlife parks celebrate the holidays in completely different ways. Whether you want the high-energy festivities of Jungle Bells at the Zoo or the magical, lantern-lit expedition of Wild Holidays at the Safari Park, this guide covers everything you need to know for the 2025-26 season.

The good news is that the events are included with regular admission or membership. If you have the time, I recommend seeing both!

(Since there are a few days left of each celebration and my inbox is full of “is it worth it” questions, I figured it’s better late than never to get you all the info in one place!)

Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo

At a Glance

• When: December 19, 2025–January 4, 2026
• Hours: Open nightly until 8 p.m. (closes early on December 24)
• Where: Balboa Park
• Cost: Included with Zoo admission or membership
• Parking: Free, but will be $16 for non-members after January 5, 2026

Jungle Bells turns the Zoo into a holiday festival. The special performances start in the late afternoon, but you’ll really notice the difference once the lights come on. It’s really then that the park feels busy and celebratory, with music, projections, and performances layered throughout its hills and winding paths.

Top Holiday Attractions to See

Aurora Projection Show
This is the must-see event of the night. It is a massive 3D projection mapping show at Hua Mei Plaza that turns the buildings into wind, water, and ice. Its goal is to create a winter feeling that is rare in San Diego. Most visitors plan their evening around catching this at least once.

The Tinseltones
This longtime favorite performs near the entrance and usually ends their set with a blast of “snoap” otherwise known as soap bubbles that kids inevitably chase. (Tip: They sell bubble blowers in the shapes of the various Zoo animals in the gift shops.)

Northern Frontier Holiday Forest
The path leading to the polar bears is lined with specially illuminated white trees, creating a cool, icy blue atmosphere perfect for photos. It’s one of the easiest places take photos, especially if the central plazas are crowded.

Dr. Zoolittle Show
If you’re visiting with younger kids, plan to see this interactive stage show. It’s fast-paced and gives kids a chance to move around and laugh at silly jokes.

Local’s Tips for a Great Visit

Ride the Skyfari at Night
The view is fantastic during the day, but you should try Skyfari after dark. You’re high enough in the aerial tram above the treetops, letting you see the lights across the Zoo, with the California Tower lit up in the distance.

Plan to Arrive Earlier
It can be challenging to see the animals when the sun goes down, so if you’re coming just for the holiday event, plan for a little bit of daylight. Arriving by mid-to-late afternoon gives you time to see some exhibits, eat dinner, and then transition naturally into the holiday portion once the lights come on.

Weekend Evenings Are Busy
Jungle Bells is popular, and the Zoo’s paths are narrow and hilly. Weeknights in early December are noticeably easier to navigate than weekends or school-break dates. We went on a Friday evening, and the paths were crowded and hard to navigate with a stroller. Think about going with a baby carrier instead.

Wild Holidays at the Safari Park

At a Glance:

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

Wild Holidays feels very different from Jungle Bells. The Safari Park’s larger size naturally spreads people out, which makes the event feel like a more peaceful lantern festival. You’ll see a lot of glowing animal sculptures and ambient-light walks that aren’t normally there.

Top Holiday Attractions to See

Bridge of Lights
Near the entrance, you’ll cross a wide wooden bridge that’s lined overhead with thousands of lights set to holiday music as you enter Wild Holidays. It’s a neat Instagram moment.

Nairobi Lantern Walk
Lanterns shaped like animals line the paths throughout Nairobi Village. Since this is the most family-friendly area of the park, it’s a must-stop for kids and photos.

Firefly Stilt Walkers
These performers wear glowing, articulated costumes that make them look like giant, elegant insects. They’re not your average stilt walkers, as I see them at various events that I attend at both parks. The costumes (and their ability to walk in them) are mesmerizing.

Light Up the Holidays
This short, synchronized lighting show takes place at Safari Base Camp, the park’s main gathering area near the entrance. Lights ripple through the surrounding trees and buildings, timed to holiday music. It’s not something that you plan your visit around, as you’ll likely see it a few times as you enjoy the evening.

Local’s Tips for a Great Visit

Dress Warmer Than You Expect
Any visit to the Safari Park should involve layers. Its inland location means it’s in a different microclimate than at the coast. Temperatures drop quickly after sunset so that I would bring a jacket and perhaps a beanie.

See Animals Earlier in the Day
The famous rhinos and giraffes live in huge, unlit fields. Their habitat is pitch black at night, so you will not see them during Wild Holidays. If you’re trying to see the park and enjoy the Christmas events, take the Africa Tram in the late afternoon before it stops running at 4 p.m.

You’ll Find Comfort Food
Cold evenings make this a good time to take advantage of the heartier menu items like the mac and cheese or poutine.

Practical Planning Notes

Parking Fees
In 2026, both parks will charge for parking, which you’ll pay separately from admission. Attendees of Jungle Bells 2025 will still be able to park for free.

Membership Value
Both holiday events are included with membership. If you plan to visit both parks (one night for Jungle Bells, one for Wild Holidays), a membership often pays for itself compared to buying two separate day tickets plus Safari Park parking ($20). Safari Park parking comes with some but not all memberships. Zoo parking will be a part of all memberships. Tourists should consider a 2-Visit pass or Go City, which can include both parks. I can help you decide in my breakdown of San Diego Zoo ticket options.

Weather Considerations
Both events are outdoors. Heavy rain can affect projection shows or roaming performers, so it’s worth checking the forecast, especially before driving up to Escondido at night. Note that both parks are open 365 days a year, rain or shine. I talk about why people like the San Diego Zoo in the rain. Seriously. Some animals love mud and are more active than usual. Now, will you see that at night? Probably not, but don’t let a little rain scare you away.

Bottom Line

This isn’t about choosing which event is better. Jungle Bells is lively, central, and feels like a big night out. Wild Holidays is more spread out and easier to move through once it gets dark. If your schedule allows, many families enjoy visiting both on different nights!

Our other two theme parks also go all out for the holidays. Learn more about SeaWorld San Diego holidays and LEGOLAND California holidays.