NOVEMBER 29, 2024 - JANUARY 1, 2025
PRESENTED BY
NIGHTS
LOCAL ARTISTS
INSTALLATIONS
VISITORS
ZOOMINESCENCE
2024
Our team at The Valley Zoo Development Society is excited to host our 12th year of Zoominescence: A Festival of Light presented by The King’s University this December at the Edmonton Valley Zoo! Nestled within Edmonton’s beautiful River Valley, the Valley Zoo will be home to a spectacular exhibition of artistic light installations for guests of all ages to admire and enjoy. Zoominescence offers a unique and special way to experience the Zoo at night to help us celebrate light, artistry, imagination, and the strong spirit of our community in the winter.
Zoominescence 2024 is open every Friday to Sunday starting November 29th, plus every day starting December 13th to January 1st (excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day) for a total of 24 public festival days.
LOCATION
EDMONTON VALLEY ZOO
13315 Buena Vista Road Edmonton, AB T5J 2R7
DATES + TIMES
4:30 PM – 10:00 PM (Last Entrance @ 9 PM)
Nov. 29, 30 + Dec. 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 + Jan. 1
2024 HOLIDAY GIFT AUCTION.
Discover the perfect holiday gifts while supporting the Edmonton Valley Zoo and Valley Zoo Development Society at our Holiday Gift Auction!
From exclusive zoo packages to unique treasures from our community, every bid you place helps care for our animals, support our Zoo, and illuminate the future of wildlife.
DOWNLOAD THE EDMONTON VALLEY ZOO APP & GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR VISIT:
Click the map to downlad a full-sized version.
EVENT
SCHEDULE
Our event schedule is evolving weather-dependent; we make every effort to keep this schedule updated daily throughout the event so you know exactly what to expect and where to find the entertainment on the Zoo grounds.
In addition to the Animal Talks and Character Meet & Greets listed below, you’ll find hot chocolate, light-up merchandise, and a wood burning firepit.
Whether you are looking to learn about the animals that call the EVZ home, meet a princess, get some exercise, or simply take it the wonder of the season…Zoominescense is guaranteed to bring joy this holiday season.
ANIMAL TALKS
RED PANDA TALK
A Red Panda’s fur consists of a woolly undercoat covered by course guard hairs. Come learn all about these adorable creatures during a Red Panda Talk!
TIME: 5:30 PM
LOCATION: Red Panda Habitat
OTTER FEEDING
Come watch the EVZ Zookeepers feed the Otters and learn all about how these amazing mammals survive in the cold Arctic waters.
TIME: 6:30 PM
LOCATON: Otter Habitat
REINDEER TALK
Come learn about Santa’s favourite furry helpers – Reindeer! How do they survive in cold climates? What do they eat? Come find out at a Reindeer Talk!
TIME: 7:30 PM
LOCATION: Reindeer Habitat
CHARACTER MEET & GREETS
ICE QUEEN & SPIDER HERO
DATES: Nov. 29-30, Dec. 1, 6-8, 13, 14-23
LOCATION: Saito Centre
HOLIDAY GROUCH & CINDY
DATES: Dec. 14-23
LOCATION: Entry Plaza & Snow Globe Geodomes
ISLAND & TOWER PRINCESSES
DATES: Dec. 26-31, Jan. 1
LOCATION: Saito Centre
POWERED BY:
MEET OUR 2024 ARTISTS!
Every year, the Valley Zoo Development Society hosts an open Call to Artists for any individual, group, or organization to submit an idea for an art installation for the opportunity to be displayed throughout the full festival. This years artwork revolves around the festival theme of “Animal Conservation Success Stories!”
These are the talented local artists who will create unique and custom animal light art pieces for Zoominescence 2024:
LEAPFROG
TREW FACKS
The installation “Leap Frog” is a human-sized glowing Leopard Frog that's ready to play with you!
A WHALE'S TALE
Laura Ouimet
A Whale's Tale depicts a 3-dimensional Humpback Whale frolicking in the ocean waves.
TADA THE RED PANDA
GABS
When threatened, Red Pandas rear up on their hind legs in order to look big and scare off predators...
CURIOUS FIREFOX
CLIFF VACHERESSE
An ice sculture depicting a Red panda reaching out to touch the beyond with its characteristic curiosity...
STRIPES IN THE SHADOWS
ACE WOOD CO.
This installation draws inspiration from the mesmerizing patters of the Grevy's zebra, known for....
GREVY'S GLOW
ACE WOOD CO.
An art exhibit dedicated to the illuminating success story of conservation efforts here at the Edmonton Valley...
THANK YOU TO OUR 2024 SPONSORS
We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the amazing sponsors who are making our 2024 event possible. Your support is essential to our success, and we’re grateful for your commitment to our mission of conservation and community. Thanks to your support, we’re able to host events like this to help raise funds for the Edmonton Valley Zoo and promote awareness about conservation throughout our community. Once again, thank you for being a part of Zoominescence and for your continued support. We can’t wait to see you at the event!
TITLE SPONSOR
FIRE PIT SPONSOR
RAINBOW TUNNEL SPONSOR
REINDEER PHOTO FRIENDS
HELP BUILD OUR ZOO!
It is through today’s zoos that future generations will come to a greater understanding of the human impact on the natural world and be motivated to preserve it and reverse the damage already done. Every donation, big or small, helps us revitalize our beloved Edmonton Valley Zoo! Thank you for caring for the animals, our children’s future and the planet!