ZooLights at Utah's Hogle Zoo

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Nature & SeasonSalt Lake City
DatesDates TBA · Usually DecemberCheck locally before booking
DurationWinterEstimate from available data
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forSeasonal rites, water traditionsUnlike typical holiday light displays staged
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: USD
CategoryNature & SeasonFestival type
The story

ZooLights at Utah's Hogle Zoo in Salt Lake City

ZooLights at Utah's Hogle Zoo is Salt Lake City's after-hours holiday lighting event, running select nights from late November through early January. Lights transform the zoo's pathways into a walk-through winter display while most animal habitats stay dark so residents can rest overnight. The ticketed event runs nightly from 5:30 to 9 p.m. and includes seasonal food, a lit carousel ride, and holiday photo opportunities.

Utah's Hogle Zoo sits in the foothills above Salt Lake City, and for years it closed for the season once cold weather set in and daytime crowds thinned.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Unlike typical holiday light displays staged in parking lots or fairgrounds, ZooLights uses the zoo's existing pathways, plazas, and the Oasis Plaza carousel as its canvas, so guests walk a familiar daytime route transformed into a lit, after-dark landscape

02

The mystery stays covered

The event deliberately keeps most habitats, including the Great Apes building, bear dens, and Asian Highlands, closed and dark so animals get uninterrupted rest, a policy the zoo explains openly to set expectations that ZooLights is a lights-and-atmosphere event rather than a nighttime wildlife viewing opportunity

03

The city starts moving

A dedicated Silent Night date offers a sensory-friendly version with reduced sound, dimmed flashing effects, and fewer crowds, extending the event to families who find typical holiday crowds overwhelming

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The event's core tradition is its after-hours format built around light displays rather than daytime animal viewing

Water and renewal

Living ritual

paired each season with visits to Santa in the gift shop and a dedicated sensory-friendly Silent Night for guests who need a calmer version of the experience

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually December

Getting around

For ZooLights at Utah's Hogle Zoo, plan transport around the exact Salt Lake City venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.

What to wear

Warm winter layers, insulated boots, gloves, and a hat are essential since the entire route is outdoors after dark in Utah's winter cold, and the event proceeds regardless of snow.

Safety

Keep distance from unsafe water edges and follow local crowd or weather warnings.

Where to stay

For ZooLights at Utah's Hogle Zoo, stay near the part of Salt Lake City you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Tickets/cost

Public water rituals are often open, but boat, viewing, or activity access may be paid.

Language/currency

USD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map40.76 N, 111.89 WOpen in Google Maps

Salt Lake City, UT

Nearest airportSLC — Salt Lake City
TransportFor ZooLights at Utah's Hogle Zoo, plan transport around the exact Salt Lake City venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.
Stay areaFor ZooLights at Utah's Hogle Zoo, stay near the part of Salt Lake City you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Salt Lake City via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Salt Lake City, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for December.Compare faresFestival gearWarm winter layers, insulated boots, gloves, and a hat are essential since the entire route is outdoors after dark in Utah's winter cold, and the event proceeds regardless of snow.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for United States and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is ZooLights at Utah's Hogle Zoo?

ZooLights at Utah's Hogle Zoo is listed for December · Winter. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does ZooLights at Utah's Hogle Zoo take place?

The festival is listed in Salt Lake City, United States. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

Winter is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Salt Lake City, UT

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLhoglezoo.org
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually December
Source statusOfficial source linked
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