Attraction of the Week: Phoenix Zoo Lights

I love attending various light displays no matter where I travel. We took a quick daytrip from Flagstaff to check out the Phoenix Zoo Lights. I have been to many of these zoo festivals in different cities and wanted to check this one out while living in close proximity. It was an easy 2 hour drive from northern Arizona. While it was warm during the day for our hike along beautiful Pinnacle Peak in Scottsdale, the temps dropped drastically by night. This is common in the desert to see a 20+ degree drop so common prepared in layers.

Each holiday season, the zoo sparkles with over 4 million colorful lights and 700 unique themed displays. Other holiday activities we enjoyed included: ice sculpting demonstrators, a synchronized light and music show featuring songs from The Polar Express and the Trans Siberian Orchestra, various 3D themed displays, and a special 4D Polar Express show. Overall, we enjoyed the event even though it was super crowded due to a special concert. Had I known, I probably would of booked another day. That being said, I still would put it on my list of the best holiday lights in Arizona.

This is one of the biggest light displays in the country. As there is not an abundance of holiday activities in the metro, I recommend checking this one out if you are looking for something Christmassy to do. It’s a fun way to enjoy the winter season and the lights really brighten up the dark desert skies.

This particular display is a bit less Christmassy than others I’ve been to like the LPZ in Chicago. The focus here is more on spotlighting various animals (less Santa, more animals). This could be a plus or minus depending on personal preferences. The only Christmas themed display was a tree made out of water jugs to show how much water an average resident of the Valley uses in a single day. I have to say, this was pretty cool!

Crowds, Crowds, & More Crowds!

For starters, only a small section of the zoo was open for the event. The crowds were on par with a trip to Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. If they had opened up the entire zoo for this event, then the crowds would have been more dispersed and guests would have enjoyed a much more pleasant holiday experience. While the display itself is beautiful, you will want to avoid visiting on special event nights. The parking hassle and crowds make any special event night an easy skip.

In addition, because the event was so busy, the main parking lot was completely full. Thus, guests had to walk several blocks from another parking lot. Very inconvenient, especially for the high prices everyone was paying.

Don’t expect to see many animals

We didn’t see any animals, probably because the majority of the sections of the zoo with animal enclosures closed for this event. The few animal enclosures we passed were dark and empty. Unfortunately, there are no indoor enclosures so you will have to visit in the afternoon if you want to see animals. That being said, the zoo is an amazing place to visit during daytime hours. It is one of the more nicely landscaped and aesthetically pleasing zoos I’ve visited.

While you won’t see any animals, you will see a lot of colorful animal themed displays. These were pretty cool. I do wish they would add a few more cacti and desert themed displays.

While they could do with a few more desert themed display, we did enjoy the few cacti they had on display. I really love desert plants with lights, so hopefully they incorporate more in future years. Bonus points for the lizard though – if you have been to the area, you have surely seen them everywhere!

I have to admit they did a great job stringing the lights on these trees. They are super colorful and you can tell that they didn’t slap the stuff on in a few days. I really love this multi color tree.

There is also a really nice light show on the lake. This synchronized show features colorful lights, music, and a 50 foot LED light. I would say this was probably the highlight of our visit.

Is it worth the admission fee?

I would say it is worth it if you are seeking a big Christmas event. You won’t find more lights in one place anywhere else in the Valley. Be sure to visit on a Value Night as you will save a few bucks per person. It’s not the best or worst zoo lights I’ve attended, however, it is something to do at night during the winter months. Visiting on a budget night makes it is a little more worthwhile. Plus, it’s nice to enjoy a holiday themed event without being freezing cold! If you are from the Midwest or Northeast, you will love this!

On one sour note, there seemed to be a lack of holiday spirit in the air. No one seemed to be in a good mood due to the intense crowds and inability to see many of the displays without running into someone. Other holiday zoo events have included special touches to make it more festive such as carolers, tram tours, visits with Santa, and special holiday treats.

For some reason, this zoo didn’t seem to incorporate any of these festive additions that make a holiday visit to the zoo so special and memorable. I feel like it was more of a winter display (which is fine) than a Christmas display. It just depends on what you are looking for.

For next year, I recommend opening up the entire zoo to better manage the crowds. This would also mean more lights and a better possibility of animal sightings, thus justifying the high price tag. In addition, adding a few specialty holiday themed attractions would make the event feel more seasonal, instead of simply feeling like a winter light show. They did have holiday music playing, although the crowds were much too loud to enjoy the songs (another problem which could easily be resolved by opening up the entire zoo).

Location, Dates, & Pricing

The Phoenix Zoo is located at: 455 North Galvin Parkway. 2025 Dates: November 26th-January 16th from 5:30pm-10:30pm. Prices $30 for members, $35 for everyone else. – please check website for updates and info on value nights.

Sensory friendly night: December 15th. Drive through: January 18th (separate ticket)

Free parking is available, however, you must arrive early to ensure your spot. Or be prepared to walk from the alternate parking lot.

Recommendations for next year: I also recommend they offer an Adult’s only night as Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago successfully started this year. This would enable couples to enjoy a date night destination without so many loud kids and strollers to navigate around.

Also, a local’s only night would be a great idea as there are so many tourists and snowbirds during the mild winter months and locals should have an opportunity to attend this event without so many tourists.