The Weekender: Christmas at the Zoo

The kids are wound up about their school vacation and Christmas. Give the entire family a break by heading to San Francisco Zoo.

Special seasonal events are underway:

Reindeer Romp

Santa is sending our four favorite reindeer, Belle, Holly, Peppermint, and Velvet to spread holiday cheer to Bay Area children of all ages. Until January 1, these majestic animals will be on display at the Zoo to teach us all about how and where they live in the wild. So put on that bright-red scarf, pick up a hot chocolate at Cafe Playfield, and head on over to the historic Playfield Lawn, right next to the spectacular new Elinor Friend Playground.

Zoo Lights

Tis the season to enjoy the San Francisco Zoo at night under magical holiday lights! Come take a moonlight meander through the Zoo as it sparkles with cheer: Make your way from Entry Village Plaza to the newly renovated Elinor Friend Playground for some magical playtime under the stars. Through December 23, shop at the Holiday Marketplace to find one-of-a-kind gifts for the loved ones on your list, then head over to the Event Tent to sit with Santa Claus and sip hot apple cider and cocoa. Don't forget to pay a visit to his special reindeer Belle, Holly, Peppermint and Velvet; they’ll be on the Playfield Lawn near the snow. SNOW? Yes, it will be snowing at Zoo Lights, bundle up! Feel like dancing? On Saturday nights in December, we'll feature Noc'tails Silent Disco ($5 additional charge). You can also ride the historic Dentzel Carousel, enjoy live entertainment, win prizes at the Holiday Midway Games, and hum along with holiday cheer as you stroll through Big Bugs: Outside the Box  and Komodo Alley during this wonderful event. Come for the day, stay for the lights!  

Other Events:

10:30am, 3:30pm

Penguin Feeding

Sat-Sun 11am and 3pm

Big Cat Encounter

11:30am

Grizzly Bear Feeding

M-F 2:00 - 2:30; S-Sun 2 - 3pm

Meet the ARC Animals

M-F 2:30 and 3pm; S-Sun 1 - 3pm

Aye Aye Guided Tours (20 min.)

3:00pm

American White Pelican

3:00pm

Raptor Feeding

3:30pm

Sea Lion Feeding

3:45pm

Giraffe Feeding