The words "Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute ZooLights" in decorative font with 4-pointed stars around it

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November 24 - December 30, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. (Sundays 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.)
  • People walk down Olmstead Walk at night with trees wrapped in various colored lights along the right and hedges wrapped in green lights on the left.
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ZooLights

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Washington, D.C.’s beloved Smithsonian’s National Zoo holiday tradition is back and brighter than ever!

Now in its 15th year, ZooLights will take thousands of visitors into a winter wonderland lit by more than half a million environmentally-friendly LED lights and illuminations. Visitors can stroll through immersive lantern displays showing rainforest, grassland, desert, ocean and polar habitats and the animals that call them home. Live musical performances, delicious treat offerings and plenty of opportunities for holiday shopping make this special event a dazzling and immersive experience for families and nature aficionados.

WEEK 1 | Nov. 24, 25, 26 | Friday to Sunday

WEEK 2 | Dec. 1, 2, 3 | Friday to Sunday

WEEK 3 | Dec. 8, 9, 10 | Friday to Sunday

WEEK 4 | Dec. 15, 16, 17 | Friday to Sunday

WEEK 5 | Dec. 21, 22, 23 | Thursday to Saturday

WEEK 6 | Dec. 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 | Tuesday to Saturday

Please note: ZooLights does not feature the Zoo’s animals. All indoor animal exhibits will be closed to allow animals to get a full night’s rest. Last admittance to ZooLights is at 8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays-Saturdays, and 7:30 p.m. on Sundays.