Tickets Go On Sale Tuesday, October 27, at 9 a.m.
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens will light up the desert this holiday season with WildLights, a spectacular light display presented by the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation. Tickets go on sale to members and guests Tuesday, October 27 at 9 a.m. WildLights will be held select evenings Wednesday, November 25 through Sunday, December 27, from 6 to 9 p.m.
Now celebrating its 28th year, WildLights will amaze guests with over a million twinkling LED lights and festive activities, transforming The Living Desert into a luminescent winter wonderland for all to enjoy. Advanced reservations are required for both members and guests, and tickets are limited to accommodate for health and safety precautions.
“The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is a magical place and even more so in the glow of holiday lights,” said Allen Monroe, President/CEO of The Living Desert. “The enchanting assortment of illuminated animal sculptures – many representing species found at the Zoo – sets this event apart from many other holiday traditions. We have worked diligently to provide a safe and socially-distanced experience for our guests to make special memories this holiday season.”
Recognized as a 10Best Zoo Lights in the country by USA Today, WildLights invites guests to take in the festive lights and sights, while enjoying the sparkling tunnel of lights synchronized to music, gaze at the life-sized, illuminated animal lanterns, holiday-themed G-scale model train display, and animated light shows set to music around the Zoo.
New this year, Santa will be available for souvenir photos. Perched high in his festive sleigh, to accommodate for social-distancing, guests of all ages will be able to step into the front of Santa’s sleigh to pose for pictures. Photos will be available for purchase onsite and online following the event.
With a new route for 2020, WildLights pathways will take guests on an illuminated journey around the Zoo with vantages of select animal habitats including the emus of the new Australian Adventures.
“We invite our community to join us for the desert’s favorite holiday tradition,” said Mark Miller, Director of Park Services and Guest Relations at The Living Desert. “Tickets are limited and advanced reservations are required. We expect to sell out all dates this year, so guests are encouraged to get their tickets early.”
Guests can take a spin on the carousel and make s’mores around a fire, for an additional fee. Seasonal refreshments, holiday spirits, WildLights souvenirs, and zoo-themed holiday gifts also will be available for purchase.
WildLights is presented by the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation and is sponsored by HiTech Lights.
WildLights takes place November 27-28; and December 4-5, 11-12, 18-24, 26-27. Event hours are 6 – 9 p.m. with last entry at 8:30 p.m. Admission is $14 per person; $12 for members, military (with ID); $10 for children ages 3-12 and free for those under 3. Some attractions require additional fees. Face coverings are required for guests over 3 years old.
Tickets can be purchased online at LivingDesert.org beginning Tuesday, October 27, at 9 a.m. or by calling (760) 346-5694. For more information, visit LivingDesert.org or call (760) 346-5694.
The Living Desert is open daily from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m., except December 25. With more than 80 acres of outdoor space, numerous safety precautions, and capacity limits, there is plenty of space to socially distance. Facial coverings are required for guests over 3 and advanced ticket reservations are required.
