Related Resources
Host your holiday party at the Zoo during ZooLights!
Add the Zoo's animals to your holiday gift list. Our keepers have created an enrichment list and invite people to buy an item and bring it to the Asia Trail or Panda shop. Find out more.
Get tips on giving green holiday gifts to friends and family.
SEE THE ZOO IN A WHOLE NEW LIGHT!
ADMISSION IS FREE!
ATTRACTIONS
ZOOLIGHTS SKATING RINK, SPONSORED BY GEICO
$5 per 30-minute session
$2 for skate rental
Don’t miss the “iceless” skating rink at the Zoo’s Picnic Pavilion. Children and families of all ages can enjoy skating on the world’s best eco-friendly synthetic ice skating surface. You may bring your own skates if you wish.
Go for a ride around Great Cats Circle on a new trackless train. The ride around the Zoo’s lion and tiger habitats will feature a gorgeous view of the Zoo’s holiday light displays.
PEPCO-SMART ENERGY DEMOS
Learn how to save Energy with the help of your new Pepco smart meter, inside the Think Tank. Visitors will receive free giveaways and learn how they can save energy around their homes with the help of their new smart meter.
ANIMAL HOUSES
You can thaw your paws in our exhibit buildings and view the animals at night. The Small Mammal House, Great Ape House, Reptile Discovery Center, Think Tank, and Kids’ Farm will be open every night.
MODEL TRAIN
Be sure to step into the Visitor Center auditorium to see the Amtrak® Wildlife Train Park, featuring an old-fashioned model steam engine, Thomas the Train, and animal figurines.
ENTERTAINMENT
PANDA CLAWS
Back by popular demand this year, ZooLights guests will enjoy free costume character photo opportunities with Panda Claws, the official ZooLights ambassador. Panda Claws will also perform nightly in the Snow Globe.
AMENITIES
FOOD & BEVERAGES
Make a ZooLights night dinner and a show! Plan your family dinner at ZooLights this year. The Mane Restaurant will be serving a complete menu, including pizza, hamburgers, and snacks. Seasonal treats such as hot chocolate, coffee, roasted nuts, kettle corn, cookies, and gingerbread will also be on sale throughout the event site. Mulled cider, peppermint schnapps, beer, and wine will also be available.
SHOP
Do some eco-friendly holiday shopping at one of the Zoo’s three gift shops or kiosks located throughout the event site. We’ll have Zoo-themed presents for everyone on your list. Browse the online store.
THREE WAYS TO GIVE BACK AT ZOOLIGHTS
1. DONATE WINTER COATS & OUTERWEAR
Make a child’s holiday warm and bright! Donate your gently-worn winter outerwear, including coats, hats, scarves, gloves and mittens. The greatest need is for children ages 2-12. Donation boxes are located in the gift shops and in the Mane Restaurant.
2. DONATE OLD CELL PHONES
Help save primates, donate your old cell phones at the Great Ape House or at the Panda or Lion/Tiger Information Booths.
3. DONATE HOLIDAY LIGHTS, SPONSORED BY BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON
Bring your old holiday light strands to the Panda or Lion/Tiger Information Booths so they can be responsibly disposed of.
SPONSOR ZOOLIGHTS
In addition to attending this sensational event, you can help sponsor it or sponsor a specific light display. Learn more.
TAKE METRO TO ZOOLIGHTS
We encourage you to take Metro to the Zoo. Pedestrians may enter the Zoo through the Connecticut Avenue or Harvard Street entrances.
