Zoominescence is the Edmonton Valley Zoo's winter lights event, and it turns the zoo into a glowing evening walk through the river valley in the weeks around Christmas and into early January. Instead of the usual daytime opening, the zoo opens in the evening only, with illuminated displays, light installations and decorated paths replacing the regular visit. It is designed as a seasonal tradition, the kind of outing that families repeat each year, and it suits the northern calendar well, when darkness arrives mid-afternoon and the snow reflects every lantern. Because the event is separate from the zoo's regular season, it has its own tickets, its own hours and its own atmosphere, and it sells timed entries that help keep crowds comfortable. Dressing properly is the secret to enjoying it: you will be outdoors for the whole visit, usually for an hour or two, walking at an easy pace. Expect cold, glow and a good deal of hot chocolate.
How it works
The event runs in the evening only, and the zoo notes that there are no daytime hours while it is on. Tickets are sold through the city's online booking system with timed entry, which is the safest way to guarantee admission, and walk-up tickets may be available at the front counter if the event has not sold out.
The zoo is closed on a couple of holidays during the run, notably Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, so check the calendar before you plan around those dates. Exact dates, hours and ticket categories change from year to year, so read the current information before you commit.
What to wear and bring
The event is outdoors, so a long, warm coat, thermal layers, insulated boots, a hat that covers your ears and warm mittens matter more than anything else. Bring a thermos or plan to buy a hot drink on site if it is offered, and pack chemical hand warmers for children. Strollers work on cleared paths, but snow can make them heavy, so a carrier is a good alternative for babies. Take your time, because the lights look best at a walking pace, and the paths have benches for rests.
Who it suits
Families with children of any age enjoy it, as do couples who want a seasonal evening. It is a very good choice if you are in Edmonton in December and want something that is distinctly local. It pairs well with an early dinner nearby and a visit to the Christmas market at Fort Edmonton Park on another night.
Remember that the zoo is in the river valley, so parking, taxis and rideshares are the usual way to arrive, and allow extra time on busy weekends and the nights before Christmas. If the weather is extremely cold, shorten your walk and warm up inside as needed.
Practical extras
Arrive a little early to park and warm up, and expect the first stretch of the walk to be the busiest as everyone fans out. Photographers will want a phone or camera that copes with low light, and spare batteries, because cold drains them quickly.
Children often want to go around twice, so the timed ticket gives you a sense of how long you have. If you have a rental car, leave it running only if the lot rules allow, and otherwise dress for the cold rather than relying on heat in a parked vehicle.
What to expect
The experience
An evening-only winter lights event at the zoo, with glowing displays along outdoor paths and timed-entry tickets.
Best time
Early evening on a weeknight, when it is calmer than weekends and the final days before Christmas.
How long
One to two hours on foot.
Tips
Reserve timed tickets ahead, dress for an hour or two outdoors in deep cold and check the holiday closure dates.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families and couples who want a distinctly local winter evening.
- Families
- A magical outing for children of all ages, as long as they are dressed warmly.
- Couples
- A cosy, romantic walk among the lights, followed by a late dinner.
- Pair with
- The Fort Edmonton Park Christmas market on another night, or a dinner downtown.
- Time needed
- Two hours including travel from the car or taxi.
Good questions
When does Zoominescence run?+
It runs in the evenings in the weeks around Christmas and into early January. The exact dates change each year, so check the current schedule.
Is the zoo open during the day while it runs?+
No, the zoo notes that there are no daytime hours during the event, so plan for an evening visit.
Do I need to book?+
Timed-entry tickets are sold online and guarantee admission, so booking ahead is the safest choice.
Is it open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day?+
No, the zoo is closed on those two days.
What should I wear?+
Dress for being outdoors for an hour or two in deep cold, with thermal layers, insulated boots, a hat and mittens.
