Wild Nights and Holiday Lights 2024

This annual family event returns for the 14th year with thousands of bright lights, sparkling ornaments and trees, lighted animal figures, and displays transforming the zoo sanctuary with holiday spirit. Local caroling groups and musicians provide the merry sounds of the season, and the Folsom Valley Railway miniature train provides special nighttime rides. 

Wild Nights and Holiday Lights runs from 5 to 8:30 p.m., with last entry at 8 p.m., December 6-8, 12-15, and 18-22. All proceeds support the animals at the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary. Please note, the event may be canceled in the case of heavy rain or high winds.

Tickets are available on Eventhub Ticketing: Wild Nights and Holiday Lights

Fall/Winter Hours of Operation

October 1 through April 30: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. Last admission is at 3:30 p.m.; grounds open until 4 p.m.

Spring/Summer Hours of Operation

May 1 through September 30: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. Last admission is at 2:30 p.m.; grounds open until 3 p.m.

Holiday/Special Hours 2024

NOTE: the zoo sanctuary is closed Monday through Wednesday unless noted otherwise.

• Monday, January 15 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day): 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; last admission is at 3:30 p.m.
• Monday, February 19 (President's Day): 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; last admission is at 3:30 p.m.
• Monday, May 27 (Memorial Day): 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; last admission is at 2:30 p.m.
• July 4, 5 and 6: Closed due to the rodeo.
• Monday, September 2 (Labor Day): 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; last admission is at 2:30 p.m.
• September 28 and 29: Closed due to the Renaissance Faire.
• Monday, November 11 (Veteran's Day): 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; last admission is at 3:30 p.m.
• Thursday, November 28 (Thanksgiving Day): 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; last admission is at 12:30 p.m.

Admission Information

• Tickets: purchase tickets online in advance. Tickets are also available for purchase at the gate. Tickets cost $7 per person for adults and children age two and older; children under two years are free (no ticket required).
• The zoo sanctuary gift shop is open from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (summer) and 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (winter).
• Please note that no pets are allowed in City of Folsom facilities. Service animals are welcomed and permitted in accordance with the Americans for Disabilities Act (ADA). The full text of the ADA Service Animal Policy is available upon request by contacting City of Folsom Animal Services at 916-461-6040.

Weather and Air Quality Updates

The zoo sanctuary may occasionally close or change hours of operation due to weather or air quality conditions. Visit the city's main emergency communications page for daily updates. 

The Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary is located at 403 Stafford Street, Folsom, CA 95630 (in Folsom City Lions Park, at Natoma and Stafford streets).

• From Highway 50 take the Folsom Blvd exit and turn left onto Folsom Blvd. Follow approximately three miles and turn right onto Natoma Street. Follow for a half mile and turn left onto Stafford Street. Take the first right into the parking lot; the zoo sanctuary is located adjacent to the parking lot (parking is free).
• From I-80 take the Eureka exit; follow for one mile and turn left onto Douglas Blvd. Follow for approximately three miles and turn right onto Folsom/Auburn Road. Follow for approximately four miles and turn left at the traffic light onto Natoma Street. Follow for a half mile and turn left onto Stafford Street. Take the first right into the parking lot; the zoo sanctuary is located adjacent to the parking lot (parking is free).

For additional information, call 916-461-6629 and leave a message. We will respond as quickly as we can.

All aboard! The Folsom Valley Railway operates a miniature scale live steam train on a track that circles through Folsom City Lions Park. The open car round-trip ride lasts approximately 10 minutes.

Folsom Valley Railway Hours of Operation and Ride Tickets:

• Ride Tickets: $4/person; purchase tickets onsite directly from the train operator
• Hours: find train schedules at folsomvalleyrailway.com
• Weather permitting: please note that the train does not operate in temperatures over 100 degrees or in rainy weather when the tracks are wet.

• Please do not feed the animals. Our animals have specific diets and nutritional needs, and we request that you please not feed them.
• Please do not tease the animals. For the welfare of our animals, we ask you not to tease, whistle, or yell at the animals at the zoo sanctuary. Please do not throw food or anything else into the animal exhibits.
• Prohibited animals. In accordance with City of Folsom, General Administration Policy No. 110, only service animals are permitted on zoo sanctuary grounds; pets are prohibited. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) states that service animals are dogs or miniature horses individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability.
• Prohibited items. No bicycles, tricycles, scooters, skateboards, rollerskates, or rollerblades.
• Photo and Video Policy. We encourage you to photograph or record video of any of the animals, but you must stay safely behind any barriers and remain in the public areas at all times. If you are a member of the media and would like further assistance to photograph or videotape animals at closer range, please email or call 916-461-6629.