Living Desert WildLights 2026: Dates, Tickets & Where to Stay
Selected nights November 24–December 30 in Palm Desert, with separate daytime and evening admission.
PalmSpots Editors · Published Oct 15, 2026 · Updated Oct 15, 2026
WildLights turns The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens into an evening holiday outing on selected November and December dates. Choose the night first, especially when bringing children: December 17 is adults only. Then compare an evening ticket, a daytime-and-evening bundle and a Palm Desert hotel around the rest of your trip.
| Ticket | Listed admission | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| General evening | $25 | Choose the actual operating date |
| Child, ages 3–17 | $20 | Not valid for the December 17 adults-only night |
| Under 3 | Free | Choose an eligible night; confirm ticket requirements |
| Member or day + evening bundle | Check current checkout | Separate options; daytime visitors must exit and re-enter |
Confirmed 2026 dates and hours
The Living Desert's WildLights calendar lists these public event nights:
- November: 24, 25 and 28.
- December: 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30.
Published hours are 6–9 p.m., with last admission at 8:30 p.m. The November 23 preview is for members, separate from the public nights above. The zoo is closed on Christmas Day, December 25.
WildLights is not a nightly event throughout the date range. Choose an actual operating date before booking dinner, transport or a room.
Tickets and the day-to-night break
At our October 15 check, the organizer listed $25 general admission, $20 for ages 3–17, and free admission for children under 3 on eligible nights. Check the official ticket store for your date, checkout total and any special-night restrictions. Member tickets and combined daytime-plus-WildLights bundles have separate options; compare their current checkout prices.
Tickets are valid for the selected date. The organizer describes WildLights as an all-weather event and tickets as non-refundable, so review the terms before buying.
A daytime ticket alone does not cover the evening event. Even visitors with a combined ticket must leave the zoo by 5 p.m. and enter again when WildLights opens at 6 p.m. Build that break into the day. Our Living Desert daytime guide covers ordinary zoo hours and admission.
Pick the right special night
December 10 — Jingle Pups: The organizer allows dogs on this special night with a dog ticket in addition to the human ticket. Check the dog-entry terms before reserving. Ordinary WildLights nights do not admit pets other than service animals.
December 17 — adults only: This night is for ages 18 and over. Families with children should select another operating night rather than relying on the usual child-ticket option.
December 18 — Pride Night: The organizer lists this as a themed evening within the WildLights schedule.
Santa photos are listed through December 24, with Grinch photos on December 26–30. Check the current program for the date you choose.
Parking, arrival and access
Go to The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, 47900 Portola Avenue, Palm Desert, CA 92260. The organizer lists free zoo-lot parking, while noting that spaces can fill on busy evenings. Follow the current arrival instructions and posted restrictions rather than assuming a particular overflow street will be available.
The event uses paved paths, with crowds, amplified music and flashing displays to consider when planning access or sensory needs. Ask the zoo about any specific arrangements your group needs. Allow time for parking and entry before the 8:30 p.m. cutoff.
Where to stay for WildLights
Choose a hotel around both the zoo visit and the rest of your itinerary. A Palm Desert base keeps you in the same city as WildLights; a downtown Palm Springs stay works differently if restaurants and downtown sightseeing lead the trip.
For an El Paseo-focused stay, compare Hotel Paseo. For a larger resort break, compare JW Marriott Desert Springs. Both require a planned trip to the zoo; this guide does not present either as a walk-to-the-gate hotel.
Our hotels near The Living Desert guide explains the location tradeoffs. Compare the full room total, occupancy and cancellation terms, keeping zoo tickets separate unless the selected package explicitly includes them.
Make it a holiday weekend
Use Palm Desert with kids for a daytime family plan and the December guide for events elsewhere in the valley. The Christmas guide covers the downtown parade and holiday planning.
Leave room for a meal, a hotel break and the evening visit. A WildLights reservation does not confirm daytime animal encounters, other attractions or a restaurant table.
Event dates, general admission and entry rules checked October 15, 2026 against the official calendar linked above. Photograph from The Living Desert's WildLights page.
FAQ
- When is WildLights at The Living Desert in 2026?
- Selected nights November 24–December 30, from 6–9 p.m., with last admission at 8:30 p.m. It does not run every night; check the full date list before booking.
- How much are WildLights tickets?
- The organizer lists $25 general admission and $20 for ages 3–17, with under 3s free on eligible nights. Confirm current prices, ticket requirements and the checkout total for your date.
- Is WildLights included in daytime zoo admission?
- No. Buy evening admission or a combined daytime-and-evening ticket. All daytime visitors must exit by 5 p.m., including combined-ticket holders, and WildLights entry starts at 6 p.m.
- Is WildLights family friendly every night?
- No. December 17, 2026, is restricted to adults ages 18 and over. Choose another published operating night when bringing children.
- Is WildLights open on Christmas Day?
- No. The Living Desert lists December 25 as closed. WildLights operates December 24 and December 26–30, subject to the current calendar.
- Can I bring my dog to WildLights?
- The special Jingle Pups night is December 10 and requires a dog ticket as well as human admission. Pets other than service animals are not admitted on ordinary WildLights nights.
- Where should I stay for WildLights?
- Compare Palm Desert hotels by the exact route to 47900 Portola Avenue and the rest of your plans. Hotel Paseo suits an El Paseo base; JW Marriott Desert Springs is a larger resort alternative. Plan transport to the zoo from either.
PalmSpots is an independent local guide. We may earn a commission when you book through some links, at no additional cost to you.
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