Last updated: October 17, 2026. The Greater Vancouver Zoo has not announced Zoo Lights dates, hours or ticket prices for 2026. Its official Zoo Lights page currently says the event is closed for the season. The details below are from the 2025-26 season and will be updated when the new season is announced.
Zoo Lights turns the Greater Vancouver Zoo in Aldergrove into a lantern festival after dark. Instead of a single string-of-lights display, the event is built around themed zones: towering nutcrackers at the entrance, a dragon tunnel, a forest of glowing creatures and a trail of the twelve zodiac animals. It is one of the larger Christmas light events in the Fraser Valley, and one of the few that sits outside the city of Vancouver itself.
The 2026 season has not been announced yet. This guide covers how the 2025-26 season worked, so you know what to expect and where to watch for the new dates.
Zoo Lights: Quick Facts
| What it is | A Christmas lantern festival with light zones, an Arctic-themed ride, Santa photos and a holiday market |
| Where | Greater Vancouver Zoo, 5048 264 Street, Aldergrove, BC V4W 1N7 |
| 2025-26 season | November 22, 2025 to January 10, 2026 |
| 2025-26 hours | Zoo Lights from 4:00 to 9:00 PM, last entry 8:00 PM. Zoo access from 12:00 PM with a Zoo Lights ticket |
| 2026-27 season | Not announced yet. The official page says Zoo Lights is closed for the season |
| Admission | Listed as starting at $16 for general admission (see the price note below). Members do not need a separate ticket |
| Contact | 604-856-6825, info@gvzoo.com |
| Official page | gvzoo.com/zoolights |
When Is Zoo Lights in 2026?
The Greater Vancouver Zoo has not published 2026 dates. As of mid-October 2026, the Zoo Lights page says the event is closed, with no new dates, hours or parking information. For reference, the 2025-26 season ran from November 22, 2025 to January 10, 2026, seven days a week.
Weekdays shift from year to year. November 22 fell on a Saturday in 2025, but the same date is a Sunday in 2026, so check the dates carefully when they are announced rather than assuming the same weekend pattern.
What Is Zoo Lights?
Zoo Lights is a seasonal evening event at the Greater Vancouver Zoo. The zoo describes it as a multi-sensory Christmas lantern festival, with themed zones, storytelling, hands-on activities and holiday attractions across the grounds. In 2025-26, a general admission ticket covered Zoo Lights in the evening and entry to the zoo from 12:00 PM, so you could arrive earlier in the day and stay on.
The Light Zones
The zoo’s official page lists five themed lantern zones.
- Nutcracker Boulevard: the opening stretch, with nutcrackers, festive arches and glowing icons inspired by classic Christmas stories.
- Mystic Grove: a forest-themed zone with fantasy creatures, soft lighting and a Tree of Life.
- Spirits of the Wild: a lantern tribute to wildlife, with illuminated animals.
- Dragon’s Passage: a tunnel of light with a dragon and koi lanterns.
- Zodiac Trail: a path lined with lanterns of the twelve zodiac animals.
The zones and their order may change in 2026. Check the official page once the new season is announced.
Other Attractions (2025-26 Reference)
- Arctic Express: a story-driven ride in which riders help researchers look for a missing reindeer. The official navigation lists it, but the page gives no price or details for the current season.
- Santa photos: in 2025, Santa photo tickets had to be booked in advance.
- Holiday market: in 2025, a nightly market sold artisan goods, crafts, treats and gifts from local makers.
- Arctic Research Centre: an indoor, hands-on area with themed crafts, experiments and educational activities.
Tickets and Prices
| Ticket | Price listed | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| General admission | From $16 | Zoo Lights admission and zoo access from 12:00 PM |
| Annual membership | From $65 | Daily admission including Zoo Lights, parking passes and a 10% discount |
Price note: these are the figures on the zoo’s page now. The page does not say which season they apply to, and 2026-27 pricing has not been published, so treat them as a guide and confirm the price when tickets go on sale. Members do not need to buy separate Zoo Lights tickets. In 2025, the zoo encouraged visitors to buy tickets online in advance.
Hours of Operation (2025-26 Reference)
- Zoo access: from 12:00 PM, included with a Zoo Lights ticket.
- Zoo Lights: 4:00 to 9:00 PM.
- Last entry: 8:00 PM.
- Days: seven days a week.
Getting There and Parking
The Greater Vancouver Zoo is at 5048 264 Street in Aldergrove, in the Township of Langley, a drive east of Metro Vancouver. The zoo’s page does not give transit details, so plan to drive, and check the route before you go.
The zoo’s 2025 information listed paid parking on site, and parking passes are part of an annual membership. The current page has no parking details for 2026, so confirm the price and the arrangements when the season opens.
Weather and What to Wear
In 2025, the zoo said Zoo Lights operated rain or shine and that the lit pathways cover large outdoor areas. It advised visitors to dress warmly and wear comfortable footwear. That advice is likely to apply again, but check the new season’s page.
Tips for Visiting
- Check the official page before you plan. The 2026 season is not announced, and the page currently says Zoo Lights is closed.
- Buy tickets online. The zoo encouraged advance online tickets in 2025.
- Book Santa photos ahead. They required advance booking in 2025.
- Dress for the weather. Plan for a long walk outdoors, with warm layers and comfortable shoes.
- Mind the last entry time. It was 8:00 PM in 2025, an hour before the event ended.
- Consider membership if you plan to visit more than once. It included Zoo Lights, parking passes and a 10% discount in the current listing.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Zoo Lights in 2026?
The dates have not been announced. The 2025-26 season ran from November 22, 2025 to January 10, 2026.
Where is Zoo Lights?
At the Greater Vancouver Zoo, 5048 264 Street, Aldergrove.
What time does it start?
In 2025-26, Zoo Lights ran from 4:00 to 9:00 PM, with last entry at 8:00 PM.
How much are tickets?
The zoo’s page lists general admission from $16 and annual membership from $65. Confirm the price for the 2026-27 season when it is announced.
Do members need to buy Zoo Lights tickets?
No. The zoo says members do not need to buy separate Zoo Lights tickets.
Can I visit the zoo during the day on the same ticket?
In 2025-26, general admission included zoo access from 12:00 PM.
Is there parking?
Paid parking was available on site in 2025. Confirm the details for 2026.
What happens if it rains?
In 2025, the zoo said Zoo Lights operated rain or shine.
How do I find out when the 2026 dates are announced?
Check the official Zoo Lights page, or contact the zoo at 604-856-6825 or info@gvzoo.com.
Sources: Greater Vancouver Zoo: Zoo Lights.
