Bring your family and friends and enjoy dazzling animal light displays and after-hours access to select animal exhibits— all while the Zoo is closed to the public.

You can reserve up to six free Member Night tickets with your membership. Additional tickets are available for purchase. Can't make it? Join our regular ZooLights nights!

Activities

Animal lanterns

Embark on a glowing lantern adventure through ocean, desert, grassland, rainforest and polar habitats.

Animal viewing

Enjoy special access to the Elephant Community Center and the Reptile Discovery Center exhibits.

Holiday food and drinks ($)

Seasonal treats, including s’mores and hot cocoa, are available for purchase. (Don’t forget to present your membership card and ID to enjoy a 15% discount!)

Conservation Carousel ($)

Ride on the hand-carved animals of the Speedwell Foundation Conservation Carousel. $6 per ticket*. Weather permitting.

Winter maze ($)

Make your way through a twinkling winter-themed maze filled with photo-worthy surprises. $6 per ticket*.

Festive glasses ($)

Special lenses transform lights into snowflakes! Each pair is $3, or $1 when purchased with an in-park attraction.

National Zoo Choo Choo train ($)

All aboard! Take a cheerful ride on a mini-train around the Great Cats exhibit. $6 per ticket.

*Glasses, carousel, train and maze tickets available for purchase on-site.

MORE INFORMATION

Parking

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Parking for this event is available for $30 in advance, $40 day-of. All guests — including Zoo members — are required to pay the special event parking rate. Member benefits and daily parking passes cannot be used for after-hours events.

Tickets and Admission

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Tickets: Up to six free tickets per membership. Each attendee, including children ages 3 and older, must have a ticket. Additional tickets available for $10 each for Member Nights.

Refunds and Exchanges: Tickets are nonrefundable. Members may exchange their free or purchased tickets to a different date up to 48 hours before the original event date by contacting [email protected]. Exchanges are subject to availability and not guaranteed.