WELCOME TO ZOOMINESCENCE!
NIGHTS
LOCAL ARTISANS
INSTALLATIONS
VISITORS
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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.
CHARACTER MEET & GREET
HOLIDAY GROUCH & CINDY
DATES: Nov. 28 – Dec. 23, 2025
TIME: 5:30 – 7:30
LOCATION: Entry Plaza & Geodome Village
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
CREATURE FEATURE
It’s cold outside! Come warm up in the Saito Centre and learn something new about one of the wonderful creatures that calls the EVZ home!
TIME: 5:00 PM
LOCATION: Saito Centre
LEMUR TALK
Did you know Lemurs help plant forests as key seed dispersers? Come into the Lemur Habitat to learn more about these fascinating primates!
TIME: 6:30 PM
LOCATON: Lemur Habitat
URBAN FARM TALK
Join us in the Urban Farm to visit the pigs, birds, goats, and other farm animals! You might even learn something new about our domestic friends!
TIME: 7:30 PM
LOCATION: Urban Farm
CREATURE FEATURE
It’s cold outside! Come warm up in the Saito Centre and learn something new about one of the wonderful creatures that calls the EVZ home!
TIME: 8:30 PM
LOCATION: Saito Centre
2025 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.
MEET OUR 2025 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 2025:
ANIMAL CROSSING LOCATION
Wray, Bussiere & Rozendaal
Animal Crossing is a life-sized light sculpture depicting a moose and its calf crossing a road.
BEE BEE QUE
TREW FACKS
Bee Bee Queue is an illuminated garden path featuring dozens of brightly buzzing bumblebees.
CASTOR LANTERN
WRAY, BUSSIERE & ROZENDAAL
This sculpture, shaped in the iconic profile of a beaver, serves as a vibrant, illuminated tribute to...
GULO LUNA
Vacheresse & Wagner
The Gulo Luna ice sculpture melds light and ice to celebrate the wolverine, a species that thrives...
HIDDEN GIANTS
ELIAS SEEMANN
Hidden Giants elevates secretive Lake Sturgeon to ethereal heights, inspiring a sense of connection...
NEIGHBOURS OF THE NORTH
ANTHONY ESLAVA
Neighbours of the North celebrates the captivating beauty and mystique of the Arctic wolf...
NIGHT FLIGHT
ERIC NOCENTE
Like a ghost in the night, Night Flight pays homage to the nocturnal North American Barn Owl.
THANK YOU TO OUR 2025 SPONSORS
We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the amazing sponsors who are making our 2025 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!
