Wild Nights and Holiday Lights returns with nearly 70,000 bright and colorful lights, thousands of decorations, and seasonal displays adorning the Folsom Zoo Sanctuary’s grounds, landscaping and animal exhibits to create a spectacular winter wonderland.

A dazzling forest of beautifully decorated trees provides a picture-perfect backdrop for visits with Santa Claus, and Santa Paws – the Zoo’s holiday mascot – serves as a roving greeter to pose for photo ops. The merry sounds of caroling groups fill the air with holiday spirit. The exhibits of nocturnal animals – including cougars, bears, tigers and more – will be illuminated for enhanced viewing; zookeepers will conduct special feedings and provide extra enrichment activities. Each evening, docents will be on hand to share facts and anecdotes about the animals and answer questions. In addition, the Folsom Valley Railway miniature live steam train will provide special nighttime train rides for kids and adults.  

Many hours of helping hands by families, local businesses, community groups and City staff go into installing the lights and displays that make this event so special. Bambi’s Tree Lot generously provides more than 100 trees that make up the enchanted forest and adorn the grounds. The event will run from 5 to 8 p.m. on December 7-9 & 14-23 (weather permitting; heavy rains will cancel). Admission is $5 per person and free for ages two and under; train tickets are $3 per person. All proceeds benefit the Folsom Zoo Sanctuary animals.

For more information, call 916-355-7285 or visit folsomzoofriends.org.