The Toronto Zoo’s holiday-season light show is Glow in the Wild, an evening walk through the zoo grounds past more than 2,000 handcrafted lantern displays of animals, nature and cultural stories. It opened in early fall and runs right through the Christmas season into January, with extra nights added around the holidays.
Glow in the Wild 2026 at a glance
| Detail | 2026 – 27 season |
|---|---|
| Dates | September 2, 2026 to January 3, 2027 |
| Days | Thursday to Sunday, plus extra dates around the December holidays |
| Entry times | Timed entry, roughly 6 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. depending on the date |
| Tickets | $38 plus tax, sold on the Toronto Zoo website |
| Trail | About 1.5 km outdoors |
| Where | Toronto Zoo, Scarborough, next to Rouge National Urban Park |
What you’ll see
The trail winds through the zoo’s Americas, Australasia and Core Woods areas, lined with large lantern sculptures. About 90 percent of the displays are made from recyclable materials. Highlights include animal lanterns and a Blanding’s turtle display created with an Indigenous artist that tells the story of this endangered Ontario species.
It’s a lantern festival rather than a classic Christmas light show, so expect animals and nature more than Santa and reindeer, but it’s a beautiful and very photogenic December night out.
Tickets and timing
- Book ahead. Holiday weeks and weekend nights in December are the busiest, and entry is by timed ticket.
- Glow tickets are separate from daytime zoo admission. Daytime visitors have to leave at regular closing and come back with a Glow ticket.
- Pick an early slot with young kids so you’re home before bedtime.
Getting there
- Driving: the zoo has on-site parking. It’s about 35 to 45 minutes from downtown via the 401.
- TTC: a temporary shuttle bus runs on Route 200 between Meadowvale Loop and the zoo every 10 to 15 minutes, starting 30 minutes before event times and running until about 30 minutes after. It doesn’t appear on the regular TTC schedule pages.
Glow in the Wild with kids
- Pick an early time slot so little ones aren’t out too late.
- Bring a stroller or wagon; the route is long for small legs.
- Dress in snowsuits and boots, as you’ll be outside for over an hour.
- Plan a hot chocolate stop along the way.
- Bring a flashlight for walking to and from the parking lot.
Photography tips
Lantern displays look best without flash. Use your phone’s night mode, hold it steady or rest it on a railing, and get low to frame lanterns against the dark sky. Avoid blocking the path for others while taking photos.
Lanterns vs. LED light shows
Unlike many holiday light shows that rely on strings of LED lights, Glow in the Wild uses large handcrafted lantern sculptures, lit from within. The result is softer and more sculptural, with detailed animals and scenes. If you’d like a classic LED light experience as well, see Canada’s Wonderland WinterFest and Christmas lights in Toronto.
Accessibility
The route is mostly on paved paths, but the zoo is hilly and large. Check the zoo’s website for accessibility information, including accessible parking and any wheelchair or stroller rentals.
Toronto Zoo holiday lights: FAQ
How long does Glow in the Wild take? About an hour to an hour and a half at a relaxed pace.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance? Yes, timed tickets are recommended, especially on weekends and during the holidays.
Is Glow in the Wild open on Christmas Day? Check the zoo’s 2026 schedule, as holiday dates vary.
Tips
- Dress for a long walk outdoors. The event runs in rain and snow, and the zoo is often colder and windier than downtown.
- Wear good boots; the trail is 1.5 km and can be slushy.
- Bring a charged phone for photos; the lanterns look best from a slight distance.
Daytime zoo visits in winter
The zoo also opens for regular daytime visits through the winter, including holiday programming. See the Toronto Zoo in winter.
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