Select evenings November 28, 2025–January 4, 2026
Each season at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is something special. Spring often welcomes newborn wildlife. The long days of summer mean there are more hours to explore. And in fall, the air becomes cooler as we prepare for the fun autumn months bring.
Yet winter feels a little extra exciting as the cheer of our beloved annual celebration, Wild Holidays, starts to surround us. Cozy, decadent goodies are baking. Bright, colorful bulbs are strung. Families, friends, and loved ones are making moments that will turn into heartfelt memories.
It’s another wonderful season at the Safari Park—and the perfect chance to plan your trip to experience Wild Holidays for yourself.
You can find a scrumptious beverage—hot and cold, sweet or bold—for everyone in the family.
Santa, a Pour, and Bright Décor
The magic begins in Safari Base Camp, and as you kick off the fun, fuel up with a delicious seasonal sip or two. Irish Creme Nitro Brew and a variety of gourmet hot chocolates, including s’mores and peppermint flavors, are available at Safari Coffee Outpost. For a jolly, 21-and-over concoction, try the Ginger Cranberry Sour Cocktail on tap at nearby Max’s Hideout.
Along the way, tune into Safari Park Radio, 197.2, as we play frosty hits of then and now. While you listen, head to the Wild Holidays Celebration Tree to gaze at the giant Safari Park–themed display inspired by the incredible wildlife we share our planet with. You’ll feel a warm, joyful glow around you at Light Up the Holidays and Bridge of Lights too, where each presentation pairs festive music with equally festive radiance.
Don’t forget to add a stop to your list and check it twice: visit Santa on select days and times to take a picture together and tell him what you’re wishing for before he travels back to the North Pole.
Keep an ear out for the stylings of our acoustic Holiday Troubadour.
Lively Fun Continues
Next door in Nairobi Village are more opportunities to bask in sounds of the season. Here, you’ll find our acoustic Holiday Troubadour in Village Playground, with violin duo Turtle Doves near Nairobi Walk. Keep exploring to see glimmering light fixtures down Nairobi Lantern Walk and at our Enchanted Lagoon. When you’re ready to unwind, settle in to hear “‘Twas the Night Before Wild Holidays” from our adventurer extraordinaire Safari Parker. This interactive tale will even end in a wintery finale.
Nairobi Village also offers exclusive treats, sweets, sips, and savories. You won’t want to miss the creamy Wild Holiday Arctic Blast at Kalahari Cupboard, the spiced Cinnamon Apple Mule Cocktail on tap at Oasis on the Rocks, and the satisfying Roasted Cauliflower Salad at Mombasa Cooker.
On your way to enjoy the rest of the Safari Park, pop by Thorntree Terrace for bites of indulgent goodness: a gooey Cookie Butter Cinnamon Roll and a can’t-get-enough-of-it Wild Holiday Churro Fry Sundae.
We have lots of lights for you to admire as you make your way through the Safari Park.
The More the Merrier
There’s still so much to delight in. The Spirit of the Season features incredible décor and specially designed lighted trees fit for a decked-out photo. You’ll discover this grandeur at Sambutan Longhouse at Tiger Trail, Zuest Woolshed at Walkabout Australia, World Gardens, and Condor Ridge. The “oohs” and “ahhs” don’t stop there. Take a stroll through our Forest of Color along Arbor Walk and the glowing, garnished Baja Garden to witness native foliage cheerfully come alive.
As you explore, you might run into our roaming guitar duo Sweater Weather as they travel around World Gardens and Walkabout Australia spreading their own spin on holiday classics. Looking for a sweet up this way? Swing by Macan Market for Peppermint Bark, among many other tasty menu items.
Wild Holidays will have you smiling from ear to ear.
Plan Your Visit Today
More than a month of Wild Holidays spectacular awaits you this winter. No matter when you visit, every day at the Safari Park is magical thanks to the support of allies like you. You help connect people with wildlife and amplify conservation efforts around the globe—and that’s something we celebrate year-round.
For more details about Wild Holidays, visit sdzsafaripark.org/wild-holidays. Programming and menu items are subject to change. Hours and availability may vary.
