Wild Holidays 2023

Select Evenings November 24–December 31

Wild Holidays

See the Safari Park in a whole new light! Embark on a joyous holiday expedition, and travel through places that glow and twinkle with seasonal cheer. Holiday tunes set the festive mood, and tasty seasonal treats will be available to tempt you throughout your journey.

 

Wild Holidays is scheduled on the following dates: Member Preview November 24; November 25–26; December 2–3, 9-10, 16–23, and 26–31. On Wild Holidays dates, the Safari Park is open until 8 p.m.

*On December 24 and 25, there will be no Wild Holidays events or entertainment, and the Safari Park will close at 5 p.m. Guests can still visit Santa at Safari Basecamp on these dates before he dashes away to finish his route.

 

Wild Holidays activities and entertainment are included with admission tickets or membership.

 

 

Wild Holidays Map

View the San Diego Zoo Safari Park Wild Holidays map on your browser, and plan your visit.
DOWNLOAD THE PDF HERE ▸

SAFARI BASE CAMP

Safari Park Radio 197.2 FM.

Safari Park Radio 197.2

  • 4 to 8 p.m. (Continuous)
  • Barking Deer

The Safari Park’s very own “radio station” returns with a mix of contemporary and tradition sounds of the season. 

light up the holidays display.

Light Up the Holidays

  • 5 minutes
  • Safari Base Camp

The area comes to life when the Village lights up in a choreographed display to a holiday soundtrack.

  • Carol of the Bells Medley – 5, 6, 7, and 8 p.m.
  • Jingle Bells and More Medley – 5:30, 6:30, and 7:30 p.m.
tree

Wild Holidays Celebration Tree

  • 4 to 8 p.m. (continuous)
  • Safari Base Camp

Starting November 25, experience the fun of the giant Safari Park-themed tree, with its unique wildlife decorations and festive holiday lighting.

Santa with a child whispering in his ear

Santa at Safari Base Camp

  • November 24–26 and December 2–3, 9–10, 16–17, and 18–23: Noon–8 p.m.; December 24: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; December 25: Noon–5 p.m.
  • Safari Base Camp

Have your photo taken and visit with the jolly old elf himself, before he travels back to the North Pole.

Santa will be away at the following times:

  • 2–2:15 p.m.: Zoom call with elves
  • 4:15-4:45 p.m.: Toy inventory
  • 6:30–6:45 p.m.: Santa will be making his list and checking it twice.


On Dec. 24th:

  • 11:45-12 p.m.: Zoom call with elves
  • 2-2:30 p.m.: Toy inventory
  • 3:45-4 p.m.: Santa will be checking his list and checking it twice


On Dec. 25th:

  • 2-2:15 p.m.: Zoom call with elves
  • 3:30-4 p.m.: Preparing to return to the North Pole
Bridge with archway of lights.

Bridge of Lights

  • 5 to 8 p.m. (Continuous)
  • Safari Walk Bridge

Let your holiday expedition take you through this musical and magical tunnel of light. 

NAIROBI VILLAGE

Safari Parker

'Twas the Night before Wild Holidays

  • 4, 5, 6, and 7 p.m. (20 minutes)
  • Village Playground

Join Safari Parker—adventurer extraordinaire—for interactive fun and surprises as he reads his original holiday story, ’Twas the Night before Wild Holidays, ending in a wintery finale.

troubadour

Holiday Troubadour

  • 4:30, 5:30, 6:30, and 7:30 p.m. (30 minutes)
  • Village Playground

Interact and sing along with our talented acoustic holiday musician. 

violins

Turtle Doves

  • 4:15, 5:15, 6:15, and 7:15 p.m. (40 minutes)
  • Flightline Plaza

The violin duo performs all of your holiday favorites in a classical, symphonic style.

Stilt walkers perform.

Firefly Stilt Walkers

  • 4 to 8 p.m. (continuous)
  • Flightline Plaza and Enchanted Lagoon

As you walk around the lagoon, you’ll encounter these beautifully lighted performers venturing through the night all aglow.  

Lantern walkway

Nairobi Lantern Walk

  • 5 to 8 p.m. (Continuous)
  • Nairobi Walk

Journey down the walk, and experience the lanterns as their lights dance to a musical soundtrack.  

lights on a lagoon

Enchanted Lagoon

  • 5 to 8 p.m. (continuous)
  • Mombasa Lagoon

Mombasa Lagoon becomes even more enchanted when it comes to life with sparkling, flickering, and floating holiday lights, adding seasonal ambience to the beauty of the lighted waterfall.

TIGER TRAIL and BEYOND

Wild holidays lighted path

The Spirit of the Season

  • 5 to 8 p.m. (Continuous)
  • Tiger Trail–Sambutan Longhouse, Walkabout Australia–Zuest Woolshed, World Gardens, and Condor Ridge

Experience the magic of the season at multiple locations decked out with holiday décor and specially designed lighted trees—providing the perfect setting for a family photo!  

Guitar and percussion musical duo.

Sweater Weather

  • 4, 5, 6 and 7 p.m. (30 minutes)
  • Strolling through Walkabout Australia and World Gardens

Enjoy an acoustic performance by this traveling guitar and percussion duo, as they put their own spin on holiday favorites.

lighted walkway

Forest of Color

  • 5 to 8 p.m. (Continuous)
  • Arbor Walk

See the forest aglow with beautiful holiday light, as Condor valley glistens with seasonal magic.

WORLD GARDENS

Cactus lit up.

Baja Gardens

  • 5 to 8 p.m. (Continuous)
  • World Gardens

Explore the amazing Baja Gardens, festively illuminated and glowing with seasonal cheer.  

Save the Chubby Unicorn ShopZoo collection
Shop the Collection

Save the Chubby Unicorns

Gorilla Shadow ShopZoo collection
Shop the Collection

Gorilla Shadow

Hotel with pool
Creature Comforts

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SDZWA adventures monarch butterfly
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Groom and bride embracing as a giraffe looks on in the distance.
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