Pick up a ticket to the Phoenix Zoo, one of the largest non-profit zoos in the U.S. nestled on 125 acres within the beautiful Papago Park. Explore the home of over 3,000 animals with nearly 400 species represented, including many threatened and endangered species. Discover over 2.5 miles of walking paths, divided into Arizona, Africa, Tropics, and Children’s trails, each taking about 1 hour to complete. Admire a variety of inhabitants, including Bornean Orangutans, Asian Elephants, Sumatran Tigers, Komodo Dragons, Masai Giraffes, African Lions, and more. Learn about the threats that endanger many of the species and wildlife you encounter and discover interesting facts about Jurassic ecosystems with animatronic dinosaurs and installations.

Explore the magical underwater world at SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium. Come see thousands of creatures including sharks, rays, and sea turtles. Touch a sea star or walk through the incredible 360-degree ocean tunnel. Marvel at over 30 unique displays and encounter these amazing creatures from the graceful jellyfish, the beautiful seahorse, or the clever sea turtle. Get up close and personal with the local residents of Arizona’s Salt River at the freshwater exhibit. Come see the Shoaling Ring and watch as hundreds of barred flagtails swim around you. Discover the Bay of Rays and be mesmerized by the happy and smiley rays. Escape to the Temple of the Seahorse and see these mythical creatures up close.  Escape to a kaleidoscope of color at the Coral Reef exhibit. The Coral Reef is bustling with their underwater cities teeming with fish that come in every shape, color, and pattern you can imagine. Visit the Conservation Cove exhibit and learn about how SEA LIFE Arizona works to develop a system of care and best practices to protect the oceans and its creatures.

You’ll find adventure everywhere at the Valley’s favorite holiday tradition, ZooLights! This season promises to be bigger and brighter than ever before, with all new animal lanterns and light displays, an enhanced Santa experience and our brand-new music and light show that will take you around the world! PLUS, guest entry to ZooLights includes admission to Dinosaurs in the Desert, the not-to-be-missed dino-mite experience! Enjoy an international traveling art exhibition focused on wildlife conservation created by artist, Russell Ronat. View more than 13 beautiful art pieces that light up the habitats of the Zoo’s famous residents. Experience a 30-year-old community tradition. Stop by the Wall of Traditions, across from the Savanna to learn more about how traditions are celebrated around the world. Stroll through the Wildlife Lantern Cul-de-Sac on Africa Trail to see the new lanterns. Celebrate with a visit to the three-story Christmas Tree located at Crossroads Café. Explore the Outer Tropics Trail which has more sparkling lights than ever before. Meet Santa and his elves at Leapin’ Lagoon and take home a commemorative photo. Indulge in your favorite holiday treats like kettle corn and hot cocoa that are available for purchase. Take home a memento of your special evening from one of the various pop-up Zoo shops or the Desert Marketplace gift shop.