This festive holiday celebration is returning for another year at the San Diego Zoo, and recently opened its doors after its stunning winter wonderland transformation on December 8. Grab the kids and a warm jacket and get ready because the San Diego Zoo, already world-famous here in San Diego for its excellent grounds and unique animals (it was one of a few zoos that held pandas before returning them to China), will host its annual Jungle Bells, making spirits bright for the end of 2023.
This wild and wonderful event will take place until January 1st. Guests can indulge in live festive entertainment, twinkling, dazzling lights, holiday decor, character actors across different areas of the park, all perfectly decorated for photo-ops.
Different areas of the park will be hosting different holiday performances and events, and their full schedule is available online. Some of the highlights: Take photos with Santa at the Lost Forest in Santa’s Factory or listen to the holiday troubadour play his acoustic guitar with furry friends around the park, or venture through the Northern Frontier’s Holiday Forest, a dazzling trail of holiday decor and lights. Other performers will include an a capella group, acrobatic elves, photo opps with animal characters, and much more to keep you entertained across the San Diego zoo.
Plus, don’t forget the main event, Aurora, the immersive show that happens towards the end of the evening, with lights, sounds, live performers, and 3D video projection images, Aurora pathways, which invites you to journey through a trail of lights and performers, or Aurora VIP, where you’ll be provided with a dinner plus a gorgeous show with live performers and incredible light and 3D video projections.
Jungle Bells is included with all admission tickets, and GA for adults is $69 if you purchase online and $59 for children 3-11.
Location: 2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101