Holiday Sparkle at the Zoo: Your Guide to Omaha’s Zoolightful

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is starting an extra special holiday tradition, and it’s bigger than any holiday event I’ve seen them do yet. Zoolightful runs from Nov. 19 through Jan. 11, 2026. It’s a nighttime experience with huge light displays, characters (and yes, Santa), and tasty treats. And yes, it’s as awesome as it sounds!

Disclosure: I received media passes to attend a preview of Zoolightful when it first started in 2023. All thoughts, opinions and typos are my own. This post may contain affiliate links.

UPDATED: This post was first written in 2023 and has been updated with the 2025 details.

Why all the excitement?

Think of a night of Zoolightful as the zoo, but with a festive twist. New this year will be the handcrafted lanterns, joining the already impressive towering animal figures, radiant archways, and whimsical holiday scenes along the pathways.

Some of the other favorite zones from years past will also be part of 2025 Zoolightful, including  Reindeer Game Zone and Gingerbread Village. I like stopping at Gingerbread Village to warm up, and for my kids, it’s a nice break to sit down and rest while decorating a gingerbread house. The Gingerbread Village is located inside Durham TreeTops Restaurant.

Related post: 40+ tips for visiting Omaha’s zoo!

When is Zoolightful 2025?

Zoolightful runs Nov. 19 through Jan. 11, 2026. It’s open Wednesday through Sunday from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Special Monday and Tuesday openings on Dec. 22, 23, 29, and 30. There will be no Zoolightful on Nov. 27 (Thanksgiving), Dec. 24 & 25 (Christmas Eve and Day), and December 31 (New Year’s Eve).

Note: The zoo is open during the day, as usual, during the run of Zoolightful. You’ll be able to see the displays, but they won’t be lit.

The real magic occurs after 6 p.m. when the lights turn on, the lanterns are aglow, and the interactive attractions open up. After 6 p.m., you’ll need a Zoolightful ticket to get into the zoo. Even if you are a zoo member, you will need to buy a ticket.

The event features immersive lands, each offering unique and enchanting experiences. Most of the experiences are included with the price of the Zoolightful ticket; though, some are an additional fee. The amount of activities are probably more than you could do in one evening, and it’s very likely you’ll want to return more than once this season. 

Things to do during Zoolightful

Dress warmly because you are not going to want to miss all of these fun outdoor activities planned.

For me, the showstopper outdoors is Holiday Way. I walked along the towering light sculptures during the daytime and wanted to take a dozen photos, so I can only imagine how enchanting it will be at night. There will be archways mixed in with giant teddy bears and trees and more. 

Reindeer Game Zone is located in the Children’s Adventure Trail area, a favorite with my kids during the regular season. During Zoolightful, there will be games intermingling with a walk-through light display. This area is also where you’ll find six igloos for families to reserve for the night. Actually.

Peppermint Pines is an outdoor area with some, technically, indoor opportunities. At Peppermint Pines, differently themed igloos are set up, each furnished and heated, and each having access to bar and food service from an attendant.

Warm up, get creative, or get pictures with your favorite character during these indoor activities. If you want to see Santa, make a beeline for Santa’s North Pole (otherwise known as the Mutual of Omaha Pavilion). Drop off your holiday wish list at the North Pole post before a complimentary visit and photo with Santa Claus himself. 

Merry Magic Theater is going to be a must-visit stop if you have kids who get excited about meeting characters. There will be a story time and character meet & greet there.

In the theater lobby, be on the lookout for the large, red sleigh. It’s the Merry Magic Sleigh Ride, a virtual reality adventure (the sleigh will move!). The ride is an additional fee.

Tip: The line was very long for the VR sleigh ride the night we went, and they stopped letting people get in line about a half-hour before the event ended. Get in line early if this is something you definitely want to do.

You’ll know you found the Gingerbread Village when you first spot the large gingerbread house on the zoo path. The walkway leading up to the indoor activities is decorated with colorful lanterns in shapes of candy and gingerbread men. Inside, you’ll find a little gift shop where you can purchase a gingerbread house kit. When we went in 2024, you could either buy a traditional kit or a themed kit (like Trolls or Peanuts).

There are tables and chairs set up so you can build the house that night (they’ll hold your house until the end of the evening so you can take it home with you).

Tip: As for a bag to cover your gingerbread house when you’re ready to take it home. They have them up by the cash register where you bought the kits.

Character meet & greets

One thing that’s unique about Zoolightful is the opportunity to meet so many different characters. The Big Guy, Santa, will be there every night leading up to Christmas (he typically leaves before Dec. 23). Find him at Santa’s North Pole. Visiting Santa is included with event admission.

Look for characters at the Merry Magic Theater, as well.

Tasty food to try during Zoolightful

Now for one of my favorite parts of any holiday event: The food! The zoo’s culinary team usually creates an assortment of menu items that are only available during Zoolightful. I’ll update this section when I find out what they’re serving!

For sure, there will be hot cocoa.

There will also be adult beverages available for purchase in the Frostbite Lounge, located inside the Durham Lodge and Birthday House. It’s only open to those 21 and older.

An evening in an igloo?!

There are two separate areas where you’ll find igloos available for reservations. The igloos at Peppermint Pines are available for ages 16 and older. The Peppermint Pines igloos each have access to bar and food service from an attendant. 

There are 13 furnished and heated igloos to choose from at Peppermint Pines, each with a different theme. There are 18 igloos at Reindeer Game Zone, and they are perfect for families; no age limits apply to the Reindeer Game Zone igloos.

The cost to reserve an igloo at either location is $245 for members and $325 for non-members. The cost includes admission to Zoolightful for six people.

Ticket information

Zoolightful will be held Nov. 19 through Jan. 11, 2026 from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. Admission rates vary by date, and zoo members receive a discount on select nights. Cost is $16 per child and $26 per adult for non-members; members pay $12 per child and $19.50 per adult.

Zoolightful FAQs