Events

- This event has passed.
Zoo Lights 2022
December 16, 2022 @ 5:30 pm - December 18, 2022 @ 9:00 pm

IMPORTANT UPDATE: OUR TOP PRIORITY WILL ALWAYS BE THE SAFETY OF OUR ANIMALS, GUESTS, AND TEAM MEMBERS. UNFORTUNATELY, DUE TO THE WINTER WEATHER WARNING ISSUED FOR ERIE COUNTY BY THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE, OUR ZOO LIGHTS EVENT, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23 HAS BEEN CANCELLED.
ZOO LIGHTS TICKETS FOR FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23 WILL BE HONORED ON ANY OTHER NIGHT DURING ZOO LIGHTS 2022, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF VIP TICKETS. SIMPLY PRESENT YOUR DECEMBER 23, 2022 TICKET AT THE MAIN GATE UPON ENTRY ANY REMAINING NIGHT OF ZOO LIGHTS 2022. IF YOU HAVE A VIP TICKET, PLEASE CALL TO RESCHEDULE YOUR DATE OR REQUEST A REFUND. AS A REMINDER, ZOO LIGHTS RUNS EVERY NIGHT FROM DECEMBER 26–JANUARY 1. IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND A DIFFERENT NIGHT AND WOULD LIKE TO BE REFUNDED FOR YOUR TICKETS, PLEASE CALL 716-837-3900.
Everyone’s favorite festive light show has returned—Zoo Lights at the Buffalo Zoo is back for another holiday season! Enjoy the Zoo after hours as you stroll through our illuminated winter wonderland. Take in the dazzling light displays (charge up your phone for those Instagram-worthy photos!), ride on our Happy Holidays Express Train, indulge in warm winter treats including a hot cocoa bar and s’mores, and visit with special guests like Santa (November 27–December 23) or the Snow Sisters (December 26–January 1)!* M&T Bank Rainforest Falls and the Amphibian and Reptile Center will be open for an opportunity to warm up and visit with some of our animal residents—all other exhibits will be closed for the night.
Zoo Lights kicks off on Sunday, November 27, 2022, and runs select nights through January 1, 2023 from 5:30 pm–9:00 pm. Doors close at 8:30 pm.
Purchase single tickets or get the most value out of your Zoo Lights experience with our Ticket Package options—see below for details.
*Characters provided by A Dream Is A Wish Entertainment.
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
Single Ticket Pricing:
Non-Member Adult (Age 13+): $16.00
Non-Member Child (Ages 2-12): $11.00
Member Adult (Age 13+): $11.00
Member Child (Ages 2-12): $8.00
Under 24 Months: FREE
Dates:
SPECIAL APPEARANCE: Rusty Nickel Brewing Company will be at Zoo Lights Saturdays, December 3, 10 and 17 to pass out FREE beer tastings to guests 21+. Make sure to visit their booth located by Wild Burger while you check out our spectacular light displays!
Sunday, November 27—Opening Night!
Friday, December 2–Sunday, December 4
Friday, December 9–Sunday, December 11
Friday, December 16–Sunday, December 18
Friday, December 23
Monday, December 26–Sunday, January 1
Time:
5:30 pm–9:00 pm. Door close at 8:30 pm.
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
Make the most of your Zoo Lights Experience with our Ticket Packages!
Deck the Halls Package
$59.95
Commemorate your visit to Zoo Lights with a special ornament to adorn your Christmas tree with. This package includes four admission tickets to Zoo Lights and one Zoo Lights ornament.
Cheers New Year’s! Package
$44.95
Two tickets, two logoed glasses and two servings of prosecco or sparkling juice.
Toast to the new year among the warm glow of Zoo Lights! While you stroll the dazzling light displays, sip on your choice of a glass of Prosecco or non-alcoholic sparkling juice. This package includes two general admission Zoo Lights tickets and two single servings of your choice of Prosecco or non-alcoholic sparkling juice. Zoo Lights is open on New Year’s Eve from 5:30 pm–9:00 pm (last admission is 8:30 pm).
Merry Moments Photo Package
$64.95
Four Pack Tickets + 6”x8” Photo
Commemorate the joy of the holiday season and your visit to Zoo Lights with our Merry Moments ticket and photo package. Stop by our two photo spots (Entrance and Santa/Snow Sisters) and our professional photographers will capture your magical night at Zoo Lights. You’ll get to take home one 6”x8” commemorative photo of your choice. This package includes four general admission Zoo Lights tickets, so gather a group for merry photo memories and fun!
Four by the Fireside Package
$74.95
Four Pack Tickets, Four S’mores Kits, Four Visits to the Comfort & Joy Hot Chocolate Bar
Warm up even the chilliest nights at Zoo Lights with our Four by the Fireside package! You’ll receive four general admission Zoo Lights tickets, four kits to use for some fireside fun at our s’mores stations, and four one-time visits to our Comfort & Joy Hot Chocolate Bar where you can indulge in rich cups of cocoa and mix-up the flavor at our toppings table.
Festive Food and Fun Package
$106.95
Four Pack Tickets, Four Train Ride Tickets, Four S’mores Kits, Four Visits to the Comfort & Joy Hot Cocoa Bar, Santa Photo or Snow Sisters photo depending on date.
You’ll be shining bright at Zoo Lights with our Festive Fun and Food for Four Package! This package includes the whole Zoo Lights experience with four general Zoo Lights admission tickets, four tickets for a spin on the Happy Holidays Express train, and a festive photo with Santa or the Snow Sisters. When it’s time to warm your bellies, cozy up to the fire and roast some s’mores, and mix up the flavor with a visit to the Comfort & Joy Hot Chocolate Bar.
Very Merry VIP Package
$205.95
VIP (Firepits, Seats, and Service) located near Wild Burger
The merriest way to experience Zoo Lights is our VIP package! This truly unforgettable Zoo Lights experience includes four general admission tickets, a private outdoor lounge with vertical heaters for your exclusive use throughout the evening, and your own dedicated fire pit with s’mores to roast. Indulge in some cheesy fun with hot fondue and delectable dippables and sip on seasonal beverages, all served by your VIP attendant. The Zoo Lights VIP experience is for up to four guests; space is limited, so reserve today!
PURCHASE TICKET PACKAGES HERE
Host a private event at Zoo Lights!
Private Events—Contact Zoo for Custom Proposal
Holidays at the Buffalo Zoo are something worth celebrating! Whether you’re looking for a cheerful corporate gathering, a thank you event for your clients or customers, or a time for holiday cheer with the people you love, the Buffalo Zoo is the most unique and unforgettable venue in town! For more information or to book a private event, email events@nullbuffalozoo.org.
Mix and Mingle Party Package—(maximum 125 guests)
Light up the night with our Mix and Mingle Party Package! Your group will have a dedicated space in our Children’s Resource Center draped in dazzling decorations and general admission to Zoo Lights for each guest. Enhance your event with our delicious catering menus, a visit with one of our ambassador animals, and more (all for additional fee).
North Star Holiday Package—(maximum 500 guests)
Zoo Lights is open just for you and your group, when you purchase our North Star Holiday Package. Enhance your event with our delicious catering menus, a visit with one of our ambassador animals, and more (all for additional fee.) The North Star Holiday package is available weekdays only from November 28, 2022–December 22, 2022.
For more information or to book a private event, email events@nullbuffalozoo.org.
Thank You to Our Sponsor
Ticket Description:
Each ticket for Zoo Lights includes admission to our self-guided walking tour of dazzling light displays within our winter wonderland. Zoo Lights at the Buffalo Zoo is a festive event designed to celebrate the magic of the holiday season. To ensure the best experience, please note the following:
- Pre-paid, non-refundable, non-transferable tickets are required to attend Zoo Lights at the Buffalo Zoo. Should a ticket holder be unable to attend, your purchase will be considered a donation. There will be no refunds. Please call 716-837-3900 for any questions.
- Children 24 months and under are admitted free but require reserved tickets. Simply select “Children – 24 Months and Under” for each child who meets the age requirement.
- Buffalo Zoo Members receive a special member discount. Please bring your valid Buffalo Zoo membership card and identification to the event. A $5.00 per ticket fee is charged for Members who cannot provide a valid Buffalo Zoo membership card and identification.
- Member level tickets are non-transferable. The Member’s name must be on all tickets purchased, and the Member must be present with a valid Buffalo Zoo membership card and identification at entry.
- Valid, non-expired guest passes and ride tickets may be redeemed at Zoo Lights at the Buffalo Zoo doe member pricing.
- Zoo Lights at the Buffalo Zoo does not feature the animal collection at the Zoo.
- This event is held rain or shine. Dates and times are subject to change or cancellation without notice. In the event of severe weather, Zoo Lights may be cancelled. Please check your email, our social media accounts and website for cancellation updates.
- Your admission Matters. Proceeds from Zoo Lights support the care of our animals and our conservation efforts worldwide.