Updated: July 25, 2025
Guide to Electric Safari at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Discover the top experiences at the Electric Safari at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.
Every winter the Electric Safari at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo invites visitors to step into an enchanting winter wonderland to enjoy larger-than-life inflatable animals, captivating animal exhibits, and animal encounters. With over 85 unique light sculptures and many festive activities, this popular family-friendly event has been voted the 3rd Best Zoo Lights in the U.S. from 2019 to 2022 by USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice.
Event Details
Dates:
- December 1-3, 2023
- December 8-23, 2023
- December 25, 2023 - January 1, 2024
Note: The Electric Safari is NOT open on Christmas Eve (December 24).
Admission:
- Adult (Age 12+) - $24.95
- Senior (Age 65+) - $22.75
- Child (Age 3-11) - $20.75
- Age 2 & Under - $0.75
- Military Adult (age 12+) - $21.75
- Military Child (age 3-11) - $17.75
- Zoo Members - FREE with reserved advance tickets
Save $5 per ticket by visiting on a non-peak day, check the Price Calendar for more information. 75¢ of each ticket is allocated to Quarters for Conservation.
Hours:
- Member Early Entry Hour with advance timed ticket: 4 - 5 p.m.
- General admission with advance timed ticket: 5 - 7:30 p.m.
- Event ends at 8:30 p.m.
Top Experiences
Admire Light Displays
Discover dazzling, one-of-a-kind light sculptures and animated holiday lights as you explore the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.
Snap a Selfie with Larger-than-Life Inflatable Animals
Don't miss the chance to take a selfie with colossal inflatable animals, featuring giraffes, lions, orangutans, two-toed sloths, peacocks, and a host of other captivating creatures.
Note: Inflatables may not be viewable when high winds or other severe weather is present.
Explore the Animal Exhibits
Enjoy a relaxing walk through many of the zoo’s regular exhibits to visit your favorite zoo animals. Open exhibits include:
- African Rift Valley Giraffe Building
- Asian Highlands
- Australia Walkabout
- Encounter Africa Elephant/Rhino Barn (view from windows)
- Rocky Mountain Wild (except grizzlies)
- The Loft
- Scutes Family Gallery
- Water’s Edge: Africa
Interact with Animals
Discover the joy of getting up close and personal with the animal residents at The Loft with special animal interactions and budgie and giraffe feeding opportunities.
Meet Santa Claus
December 1-23 | 4:00-8:30 PM
Bring the kids to Safari Lodge to experience the magic of meeting Santa Claus. Santa will be available for photos and to listen to the holiday wishes.
View the Electric Safari from Above
Weather Permitting | $3 per Person, Children 2 and Under are Free
Elevate your experience at the Electric Safari by taking a ride in the open-air Sky Ride for breathtaking views of the mesmerizing light displays.
Sip Hot Cocoa
Warm up with a cup of hot cocoa as you admire the dazzling light displays. Hot cocoa is available throughout the park at the following locations:
- Grizzly Grill
- Cozy Goat
- Pizza with a View
- Elson’s Place
- Thundergod Gift Shop
- Dippin’ Dots in Rocky Mountain Wild (Open Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays)
Roast s’mores while sipping hot chocolate at Rocky Mountain BBQ Co. every Saturday and Sunday.
Be Secret Santa for the Animals
Bring an item from the Electric Safari Wish List with you to the Electric Safari to support and enrich the lives of the animals during this festive season.
