Zoo Lights opens Friday, Nov. 27, at Zoo Miami with a 7 p.m. tree lighting and runs 6:30 to 10 p.m. on 18 nights to Dec. 30. Tickets are sold online only.
Last checked Oct. 29, 2026. This page is updated each year at the same address. Source: Zoo Miami’s Zoo Lights page and its FAQ. Tickets are sold only through the zoo’s online shop.
Yes, Zoo Lights is on this year. Zoo Miami’s holiday light show opens Friday, Nov. 27, 2026, with a tree lighting at 7 p.m., and runs from 6:30 to 10 p.m. on 18 nights through Wednesday, Dec. 30, the zoo says. It is a separate ticket from daytime admission, sold online only, and the zoo says it expects Zoo Lights to sell out this year.
Zoo Miami is at 12400 SW 152nd St. in south Miami-Dade County. Miami’s other holiday shows, including Christmas Wonderland and Luminosa, are on our holiday lights and Christmas events page.
Who to call
- Zoo Miami: 305-251-0400, 12400 SW 152nd St.
- Date changes: email zoomiami@miamidade.gov within 48 hours of your night
- Member promo codes: membership@zoomiami.org
The 2026 nights
All nights run 6:30 to 10 p.m.
| Month | Nights |
|---|---|
| November | Friday, Nov. 27 (opening night), and Saturday, Nov. 28 |
| December, weekends | Friday, Dec. 4; Saturday, Dec. 5; Friday, Dec. 11; Saturday, Dec. 12 |
| December, Christmas week | Friday, Dec. 18, to Wednesday, Dec. 23 (six nights in a row) |
| December, after Christmas | Saturday, Dec. 26, to Wednesday, Dec. 30 (five nights in a row) |
Zoo Lights is not on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or New Year’s Eve. On Zoo Lights nights the zoo closes to daytime visitors at 4 p.m. on select days to get ready for the 6:30 p.m. opening, it says.
What is there
The zoo lists:
- More than 1 million lights and a 26-foot LED holiday tree.
- The tree lighting at 7 p.m. on opening night, with Yuletide Carolers.
- Santa, on event nights through Dec. 23.
- An animal presentation at the Sami Family Amphitheater.
- Character meet-and-greets, including the Grinch.
- Themed photo spots, music and Letters to Santa.
Extra cost: a new train ride and the gift shop. A s’mores and lighted souvenir cup package is sold too; after your ticket is scanned at the front entrance, a guest service worker gives you a ticket to trade at a food stand.
Animals: most are asleep, the zoo says. The flamingos, the ambassador animals at their meet-and-greet times, and possibly the residents of Florida: Mission Everglades and the tiger are the likeliest to be seen.
Tickets
- Online only, at shop.zoomiami.org. The zoo’s page does not list prices; they are shown when you choose a night.
- Not included in daytime admission or membership. Members should have received a promo code by email for early-bird or regular pricing.
- Changing your night: email zoomiami@miamidade.gov within 48 hours of your date.
- The zoo expects a sellout, so book the night you want early.
Getting there and getting around
The zoo’s Zoo Lights page does not cover parking; Zoo Miami’s main entrance is at 12400 SW 152nd St. Wheelchairs, electric scooters and strollers can be rented at a discount, the zoo says, but its pedal Safari Cycles are not allowed because the paths are too narrow. The Zoo Miami app gives turn-by-turn directions around the event. For road work on the Turnpike and SW 152nd Street, see our road construction and closures page; for transit and parking across the city, see getting around Miami.
What this means for you
- Pick your night now. The zoo expects every night to sell out.
- Opening night is Friday, Nov. 27, the day after Thanksgiving, with the 7 p.m. tree lighting.
- Want Santa? Go on or before Tuesday, Dec. 23.
- Day visit first? A daytime ticket will not get you into Zoo Lights; it is a separate ticket.
More: Christmas Wonderland at Tropical Park, The Nutcracker in Miami, Thanksgiving in Miami and things to do in Miami this month.
Frequently asked questions
When is Zoo Lights at Zoo Miami in 2026?
On 18 nights: Nov. 27 and 28; Dec. 4, 5, 11 and 12; Dec. 18-23; and Dec. 26-30. Hours are 6:30 to 10 p.m., the zoo says.
Is Zoo Lights included with Zoo Miami admission or membership?
No. Zoo Miami says daytime admission, including membership, does not include Zoo Lights. It is a separate ticket, sold online only at shop.zoomiami.org.
When is the Zoo Lights tree lighting?
At 7 p.m. on opening night, Friday, Nov. 27, 2026, with Yuletide Carolers, according to the zoo.
Is Santa at Zoo Lights?
Yes. The zoo lists Santa appearances through Dec. 23.
Will I see animals at Zoo Lights?
Most animals are asleep, the zoo says. Flamingos, ambassador animals at meet-and-greet times and possibly the residents of Florida: Mission Everglades and the tiger are the likeliest to be seen.
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