Phoenix Zoo Events and Stories January 2025
Night of the Three Kings, Saturday, January 4, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. – The Phoenix Zoo will celebrate Noche de Reyes Magos during ZooLights. This Latino holiday commemorates the day when the Three Wise Men followed the star to Bethlehem and arrived bearing their treasured gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh for the Baby Jesus. The evening event will feature a traditional celebration including activities, mariachis and a chance to visit with, and take a photo with the Three Kings.
ACTIVITIES:
- See the Three Kings and camels as they walk to the lakeside lawn area at approximately 5:30 p.m.
- Take a photo with the Three Kings
- Meet some of the Zoo’s animal ambassadors
- Animal Discovery 6 – 8:30 p.m.
- Star Gazing
- Sensory Station – Experience the Epiphany
- Make your own crown and enjoy other crafts and activities
- Enjoy beautiful Ballet Folklorico Itzamatul de Valle del Sol performances 6:45 p.m., 7:15 p.m. & 8 p.m.
- Dance and listen to Mariachi Rodriguez live!
- Arizona Latino Arts & Cultural Center booth
- Make tasty, delicious s’mores at the S’mores Station*
- Enjoy Glow Garden, glow dance floor and glow swings
* Extra fee applies
Noche de Reyes Magos festivities are included with ZooLights admission. Discounted tickets can be purchased online for ZooLights through phoenixzoo.org.
ZooLights through January 12, 2025, nightly 5:30 – 10:30 p.m.
It’s the Valley’s favorite holiday tradition – ZooLights! Visit the Phoenix Zoo after dark to enjoy millions of twinkling lights, hundreds of dazzling displays, brand new Wildlife Lanterns and the return of the tallest floating tree in North America showcasing ORIGINAL music and a synchronized light show!
The adventure doesn’t stop there – visit the s’mores station, swing into the season in our interactive Glow Garden and wind your way through the immersive 200-foot-long light tunnel! https://www.phoenixzoo.org/events/zoolights/
Animals In Focus Photography Class – Saturday, January 11, 9:30 – 11 a.m.
Join us for a 90-minute walk around the Phoenix Zoo where we will learn the basics of photography including composition, lighting and capturing emotion. On our walk, we will cover how to photograph through fences, glass and foliage in addition to learning more about the Phoenix Zoo and the natural world. At the end of the walk, we will provide a short review of your photos and offer feedback.
Max group size: 6
Price: $30 + Zoo admission*
*Purchase Zoo admission separately
Information: https://www.phoenixzoo.org/events/animals-in-focus-photography-class/
Cruise ZooLights, Monday & Tuesday, January 13 & 14, 5:30 – 10:30 p.m.
From the comfort of your car, drive through our immersive 200-foot-long light tunnel, experience millions of twinkling lights and dazzling animal sculptures and enjoy the Lake Lights Shows on our main lake! Indulge in holiday treats and beverages, receive a souvenir photo, purchase glow and Zoo souvenirs all without leaving your vehicle!
Early Bird: 5:30-7:30 P.M.
Night Owl: 7:30-9:30 P.M.
Last vehicle entry 9:30 p.m.
$150 per general vehicle
$135 per member vehicle
Information: https://www.phoenixzoo.org/events/cruise-zoolights/
Zoo Move & Groove 5K Run, January 18, 5 p.m. – Get ready for an unforgettable evening at the Phoenix Zoo! The Zoo Move & Groove 5K takes you on a scenic journey through the breathtaking Papago Park and straight into the dazzling wonderland of ZooLights. Included with race registration is a commemorative shirt, admission into ZooLights immediately following the race 6 – 9 p.m., and a cozy cup of hot cocoa and bragging rights to the top three finishers including amazing award prizes! Participation in our Zoo Move & Groove 5K not only supports the Zoo’s local conservation efforts, but also helps care for the thousands of animals who call the Zoo home.
Registration $50 online ahead of time. $65 event day.
Register online at https://www.phoenixzoo.org/events/zoo-move-groove/
EXPERIENCES & ACTIVITIES:
- Millions of lights
- Hundreds of displays
- All new Lake Lights show with the tallest floating tree in North America
- Animal presentations at 7 p.m.
- Glow swings, a glow dance floor and more at Glow Garden!
- Enjoy tasty and delicious s’mores at the S’mores Station*
Information: https://www.phoenixzoo.org/events/zoo-move-groove/
Win a Wild Ride Raffle – now through March 22
Support the Phoenix Zoo and you could win a brand new 2025 Toyota Tacoma SR5 Double Cab!
$100 per entry
Raffle limited to 2,000 entries
Raffle closes March 22, 2025 at 8 p.m.
Information: https://www.phoenixzoo.org/win-a-wild-ride-raffle/
Common Ground: Diverse Visions Inspire a Common Passion – Art on the Wild Side
Now – January 26, 2025
In this special exhibit, artists Frank Gonzales, JenMarie Zeleznak, Jason Napier and Art Holeman come together to explore a shared theme through their unique artistic mediums. Frank Gonzales’s vibrant acrylic paintings offer bold, abstract interpretations of the world around us. JenMarie Zeleznak’s intricate watercolor pencil work captures the delicate beauty of nature. Jason Napier brings a sense of movement and form to the exhibit with dynamic bronze sculptures, contrasting yet complementing the other works. Art Holeman’s landscape photography of the Grand Canyon and Southwest highlights a composition of light, shadow and rugged textures. Despite their differing styles and mediums, these artists find common ground in their commitment to inspiring care for nature and the natural world.
All artwork will be available for sale with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the non-profit Phoenix Zoo.
Wild Side Gallery is included with general admission into the Zoo. Thursday – Sunday, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Water is Life – Art on the Wild Side Savanna Gallery
Now through February 23, 2025
Daily 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
In Arizona, the need for water is complicated and complex. Through original artwork and photography, this exhibit in the Phoenix Zoo’s Savanna Gallery celebrates this essential component’s broad impact on Arizona wildlife, plants and people. Too much or too little water can have dramatic consequence, and how we use and respect water is vital to our ecosystem.
Some artwork will be available for sale with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the non-profit Phoenix Zoo. Savanna Gallery is included with general admission into the Zoo.
More information about both galleries: https://www.phoenixzoo.org/art-on-the-wild-side/
