‘Tis the season for holiday fun, and Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo proudly supported by California Coast Credit Union and Wild Holidays at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park offer memory-making holiday experiences for the entire family.
Both events will treat guests to views of amazing wildlife, twinkling lights, entertaining live performances, holiday music, and more. While visiting the parks, guests can also pick up one-of-a-kind, wild, and wonderful gifts for everyone on their shopping list. Every purchase from a Zoo or Safari Park gift shop helps San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance take another step in achieving its mission of saving animals and plants worldwide, and creating a world where all life thrives.
Jungle Bells proudly supported by California Coast Credit Union will treat guests to a wonderland of lights, entertainment, holiday music, and, of course, views of some remarkable wildlife—including reptiles, lemurs, baboons, reindeer, and more.
Visitors to Jungle Bells won’t want to miss “Aurora,” an exciting visual and sound experience that weaves 3D projections, music, and light into a spectacular performance. Friendly mythical wind, water, and ice sprites share their stories, as well as the power of nature contained within their mystical orbs. As the performance comes to a dramatic and beautiful conclusion, the Aurora Borealis appears—the only time it has been seen in San Diego! “Aurora” takes place twice nightly (except Dec. 24) at Hua Mei Plaza, at 6:30 p.m. and at 7:40 p.m.
In addition to “Aurora,” Jungle Bells is full of exciting experiences, including Dr. Zoolittle’s animal-themed version of “’Twas the Night Before Christmas,” the Northern Frontier Holiday Forest aglow with specially decorated and lighted trees, and the toog tree on Front Street, which doesn’t just light up, it appears to come to life, “dancing” to sounds of the season. Guests can visit Santa at Gingerbread Landing, see some of Santa’s elves as they keep things hopping with their energetic trampoline performance at the “Toy Shop Hop,” enjoy a jazzy carol session and strolling musicians, join in the Reindeer Games on the main plaza and meet larger-than-life friendly Zoo characters like Dr. Harry Lion, Churchill Polar Bear, Sydney Koala, and their friends.
Jungle Bells is scheduled from Dec. 10, 2021, through Jan. 2, 2022. The San Diego Zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. during this event, except for Dec. 24 when the Zoo closes at 5 p.m. Jungle Bells activities are free with Zoo admission or membership. Parking is free. Visit sandiegozoo.org/junglebells.
Wild Holidays at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Guests can see the Safari Park in a whole new light at Wild Holidays, on select dates Nov. 26, 2021, through Jan. 2, 2022. During Wild Holidays, visitors can walk the pathways on a holiday expedition and travel through places that glow and twinkle with holiday cheer. Fanciful characters, musical entertainment, storytelling and culinary treats round out the evening of holiday festivities. And a visit to the Safari Park would not be complete without a trek aboard the Africa Tram to see remarkable wildlife, including rhinos, giraffes, African crowned cranes and wildebeest.
Wild Holidays at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park will take place on weekends and select dates Nov. 26, 2021 through Jan. 2, 2022. During Wild Holidays, the Safari Park will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., with holiday festivities from 4 to 8 p.m. Wild Holidays activities are free with Safari Park admission or membership. Vehicle parking is free for members at Wildlife Protector and above levels. Visit sdzsafaripark.org/wildholidays.