ZOOMINESCENCE

A Festival of Light Like no Other.

Each winter, the Edmonton Valley Zoo lights up the night with Zoominescence: A Festival of Light, presented by The Valley Zoo Development Society. Nestled in Edmonton’s beautiful River Valley, this dazzling event transforms the Zoo into a glowing celebration of light, artistry, imagination, and community spirit. Guests of all ages are invited to explore spectacular light installations and discover the magic of the Zoo after dark—all while supporting local conservation efforts.

THE ANIMAL PUPPETS

This whimsical competition introduces a theatrical element to our annual Zoominescence winter festival through larger-than-life animal puppets brought to life by puppeteers!

The addition of animal puppets inspires connection and empathy through storytelling and play for folks of all ages. These puppets captivate guests through their bright visual appeal and spark curiosity about conservation.

 CALL TO ARTISTS: PUPPETS

Are you a designer, builder, or performer with a flair for the imaginative? Each year, we invite local artists, teams, and organizations to create animated animal puppets that will roam the Zoo and captivate audiences of all ages. Think bold, bright, and interactive—this is your chance to combine art and performance in a way that inspires empathy for wildlife and showcases your creativity.

Submissions are reviewed by The Valley Zoo Development Society, and selected entries are brought to life during Zoominescence for thousands of guests to enjoy.