Strolling entertainment awaits visitors to the Phoenix Zoo in Arizona year-round. But come winter, the zoo transforms into one of Arizona’s most highly-anticipated family Christmas light displays – an event that has gained recognition across the country. And every year it just keeps getting better! Relatively new to the park, ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo offers both walking and drive-thru nights to suit the needs of its guests. Either stroll through the millions of twinkling lights or enjoy them from the comfort of your vehicle. The choice is yours! No matter how you choose to experience ZooLights, rest assured it’s one of the best places to see Christmas lights in Arizona.

Editor’s Note: As of the 2022 season, the classic walk-through experience at ZooLights is the only option for experiencing these incredible lights. However, the paved trails and numerous rest areas make this a doable holiday outing for nearly every age and ability!

Every year, there are two different ways to experience ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo.
Facebook/Phoenix Zoo
On select nights during the holiday season you can either drive or walk through millions of dazzling lights and animal-themed sculptures.
Themed display areas showcase creatures from every corner of the world.
Facebook/Phoenix Zoo
In the span of just a couple hours, you'll visit the African savannah, rainforest, and ocean. Not to mention the ever-present holiday spirit that underlies the entire event!
Trees are wrapped in multicolored lights, which reflect on the massive lake in the center of the zoo.
Facebook/Phoenix Zoo
You'll enjoy two entrancing light shows over the water every evening. The zoo's new "Lake Light Show" features even more vibrant Christmas lights synchronized to classic, recognizable holiday tunes.
Of course, the zoo had to put a little Arizona spin on its decorating style.
Phoenix Zoo
How cute are these Saguaro "Christmas trees?"
Facebook/Phoenix Zoo

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Additional activities include an art exhibition, community performances, Polar Park, a three-story Christmas tree, and a carousel.
Facebook/Phoenix Zoo
Tiny tots can also pose for photos with Santa, and festive treats like kettle corn and hot cocoa are available for purchase.
Tickets also include entry to the zoo's newest Dinosaurs in the Desert exhibit as well!
pushpashpree jain/GoogleMaps
In addition to its regular nightly displays, ZooLights in Phoenix also offers special "sensory-friendly" events every season geared toward those looking for a quieter experience.
Double-check the ZooLights website for dates and details.
Traditional ZooLights Walk-Thru tickets are best reserved online ahead of time, but are valid for any single night during the ZooLights season.
Facebook/Phoenix Zoo
CruiseLights drive-thru ZooLights tickets are sold in two-hour time blocks on a first-come, first-served basis.
Facebook/Phoenix Zoo
Make your reservation in advance and prepare to be dazzled!

The Phoenix ZooLights season typically runs from November through mid-January. Visit the Phoenix Zoo website to purchase tickets and/or learn more about hours, special events, and all of the exciting new exhibits!

Have you ever been to Arizona’s ZooLights? This is a must-do family tradition! For even more holiday events and Christmas-season displays, check out a few more of the best places to see Christmas lights in Arizona.

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Phoenix ZooLights & Related Info

Jennifer | December 28, 2022

Are there any drive-thru light displays in Arizona?

Arizona may not have to endure sub-zero temperatures during the holiday season, but sometimes enjoying colorful Christmas lights is made all the more memorable when they're enjoyed from the comfort of a car. In fact, many of these displays run well beyond the holiday season! Here are a few of the best and most popular drive-thru Christmas light displays in Arizona:

  • Arizona Lights in the Night, Mesa
  • Candy Rush at World of Illumination, Tempe
  • Christmas at the Princess, Scottsdale
  • Enchanted Safari at World of Illumination, Glendale
  • Enchant Scottsdale, Scottsdale
  • Rockin Christmas, Glendale
  • World of Illumination, Glendale and Tempe
  • Zoomtown Lights, Avondale

 

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Arizona isn't all cacti and desert (year-round, at least!). The state actually has some pretty magical mountains and snowbird paradises hiding within its depths. While the perfect winter day trip may vary from person to person, there are a number of places in Arizona that are must-visits during winter, as the scenery changes dramatically with just a light dusting of snow. Take a hike, snap some photos, and enjoy the scenery at these wintertime destinations:

 

 

 

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Featured Addresses
Phoenix Zoo, 455 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008, USA