Winnipeg 
Zoo Lights returns to Assiniboine Park Zoo this weekend, offering an enchanting experience for families and visitors of all ages.
Assiniboine Park Zoo
Running from November 21, 2025, to January 1, 2026, the event transforms the zoo into a winter wonderland filled with captivating light displays, interactive installations, and family-friendly activities.
Returning favourites such as the LOVE sign, the Zoo Lights Express train, and the Aurora Lights show appear alongside several new additions for the 2025 season.
What to See and Do
The event features a wide range of installations and activity zones:
- Prairie Lights showcases illuminated animals native to Manitoba.
- Starry Night presents a series of glowing wolf figures.
- The Orchard offers seating, a fire pit, and photo spots including butterfly-shaped light features.
- Marquee Tent hosts Santa Claus from November 21 to December 23, followed by winter-costumed characters from December 26 to January 1.
- Candy Cane Cove includes red-and-white displays and oversized candy-cane frames for photos.
- The Zoo Lights Express train runs near the Tundra Grill.
Hoops & Swoops, an interactive hula-hoop station, provides guided movement activities. - Tundra Trail features a light tunnel, fire pit, teepee, and the Hudson’s Bay wildlife gallery.
- Zoo Lights Arcade brings scattered arcade-style games.
- The relocated Aurora Lights display offers a three-minute light-and-music show indoors.
- Lover’s Lane includes the signature LOVE sign and polar bear sculptures.
- The Enchanted Jungle emphasizes tropical décor and glowing animals.
- The Light Maze, billed as Manitoba’s largest, adds a new scavenger hunt element this year.
A dedicated Sensory Night on Wednesday, December 3, modifies the event with reduced crowds, lower sound levels, no strobe lighting, and designated quiet areas. Tickets for Sensory Night cost $17.50 plus GST for ages three and up.
On December 31, the New Year’s Eve Bash extends hours until 1:00 a.m. and includes live music and countdown light shows. A follow-up celebration takes place on January 1.
View this post on Instagram
What’s New/Improved
This year, Zoo Lights introduces several new features to elevate the holiday experience:
- Interactive outdoor games, including snowshoeing, light-up croquet, and box hockey, now available throughout the site.
- A 36-foot illuminated tree serving as a new central photo point.
- Additional glowing wildlife figures installed in the Enchanted Jungle.
- The well-known Aurora lights display has been moved indoors to the Rotating Exhibit Gallery to serve as both a warm-up area and a more immersive light show.
- Carolers, fire performers, and roaming entertainers will circulate along the route each evening.
- More fire pits have been added in response to visitor demand for heated resting areas.
Assiniboine Park Zoo
Where and When Is the Event?
Zoo Lights takes place at Assiniboine Park Zoo, located at 2595 Roblin Boulevard in Winnipeg. Parking is available near the zoo entrance, with additional options along Zoo Drive.
The event runs nightly from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm, with the last entry at 8:00 pm.
The zoo will be closed on November 24 – 27, December 1 – 2, 8 – 9, 15 – 16. New Year’s Eve hours extend to 1:00 a.m., while Sensory Night takes place on December 3.
What Does It Cost?
Tickets for Zoo Lights cost $17.50 (plus GST) for guests aged three and older. Children under two can attend for free but require an infant ticket. A 50% discount applies to all November dates for visitors who book early. Tickets are date and time-specific and advance purchase is recommended to secure entry, as walk-up tickets are subject to availability.
Food and Beverages
For a full dining experience, visit Tundra Grill, where you can enjoy burgers, fries, and quick-service items. Don’t miss Beavertails near the exit for fried dough pastries topped with sweet indulgences.
Zoo Lights is not just an event; it’s a cherished holiday tradition in Winnipeg. With its mix of new features and beloved classics, this year’s celebration promises an unforgettable experience for all who attend.
What a jack ass prime minister we have. His cabinet members will probably get it and they haven’t worked in years as members in parliament