ZooLights returns to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo! Journey through magical displays on illuminated pathways, watch live musical performances, sip hot cocoa, and explore the Zoo under the dazzling glow of environmentally-friendly holiday lights. This family-friendly winter tradition supports the Zoo’s mission, too — every visit helps save species and protect habitats worldwide.
Special Nights
Member Nights ›
Tuesday, Dec. 8 & Wednesday, Dec. 9
- Up to 6 free tickets
- Access to select animal exhibits
- 15% member discount on food & shopping
Adults-Only Night ›
Wednesday, Dec. 16 · 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- $19 ticket
- One free adult beverage
- Specialty snacks and drinks available for purchase
EVENT DETAILS
When
Nov. 20, 2026 - Jan. 3, 2027
Hours
Mon – Sat 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Sundays 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Last entry 30 minutes before close.
Admission
General $10
Adults-Only Night $19
Member Nights $0
Parking
In advance $30
Day-of $40
Groups
Bus Parking $120
Avoid ticket scams: Tickets may not be resold. Purchase tickets only through the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. Per our Terms of Sale, tickets purchased through unauthorized third-party sellers may be voided or refused admission.
BOOK TICKETS HERE
Holiday Programs
Weekly entertainment, included with admission.
Activities
Embark on a glowing lantern adventure through ocean, desert, grassland, rainforest and polar habitats.
Select nights in December bring a fresh experience, with live music and holiday trivia.
Seasonal treats — including cocktails, s’mores and hot cocoa — are available for purchase.
Make your way through a twinkling winter-themed maze filled with photo-worthy surprises.
Special lenses transform lights into snowflakes! Each pair is $3, or $1 when purchased with an in-park attraction.
All aboard! Take a cheerful ride on a mini-train around the Great Cats exhibit.
Ride on the hand-carved animals of the Speedwell Foundation Conservation Carousel. Weather permitting.
Each Saturday in December, roaming carolers dress in the style of a different decade and sing holiday songs from that era.
- Dec. 51950/60sBell bottoms, disco-inspired holiday wear
- Dec. 121970s/1980sBell bottoms, Hippie chic, neon colors and leg warmers
- Dec. 191990sFlannels, chokers and combat boots
- Dec. 262000sLow-rise jeans, velour tracksuits, Y2K accessories
Trivia: Compete in teams in this 60-minute holiday film-and-music trivia game, played in two 30-minute segments in the Visitor's Center Auditorium. Each night has a different decade theme:
Sunday, Dec. 6 · 1950s
Sunday, Dec. 13 · 1960s
Sunday, Dec. 20 · 1970s/80s
Monday, Dec. 21 · 1990s
Tuesday, Dec. 22 · 2000s
Food, Drinks & Shopping
Host an Event at ZooLights
ZooLights can host your special holiday gathering in the indoor Conservation Pavilion. This cozy venue holds soaring vaulted ceilings, expansive windows, private restrooms, state-of-the-art audiovisual capabilities, and access to the adjacent outdoor patio.
The space can accommodate up to 120 guests seated or 200 standing, with a maximum of 300 with the patio included. Rental packages includes the space for the evening, plus ZooLights admission for every guest.
Bring your Group to ZooLights!
Have a party of 50 or more? Group sales are available for corporate events, community organizations and other gatherings. Fill out the inquiry form below and a member of our Visitor Services team will respond shortly.
ZooLights Group Sales Inquiry Form
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, for children ages 3 and older. Children 2 and under are free. To help our staff scan tickets efficiently, all members of your party should plan to enter together.
Yes, but it's not included with admission. ZooLights Parking Passes are $30 when in advance and $40 on the day. Due to the popularity of this event, we recommend you purchase your Parking Pass online before your visit.
- Drivers should plan to enter through the main vehicle entrance at 3001 Connecticut Ave, NW.
- Daytime and Member Parking Passes aren't valid for ZooLights.
Not on most nights. ZooLights is a lights-and-lanterns event, so indoor animal houses are closed and most outdoor animals will be resting. The exceptions are on Member Nights and Adults-Only Night, which include special after-hours access to select animal houses.
Yes. ZooLights is an extremely popular event with Washington-area families. Due to limited capacity, visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and purchase tickets and special event parking passes early.
Members can reserve up to six free entry tickets for Member Nights on Dec. 8 and 9, with special after-hours access to select animal houses.
- 15% off in-park food and retail: Members may present their membership card and photo ID at checkout to receive discounts in the park.
Please note that regular member perks for carousel, train, and parking do not apply during ZooLights.
New or rejoining member? After completing your membership order, log out and sign back in to activate your benefits.
Not a member yet? Join today to enjoy these benefits and support the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.
Per our Terms of Sale, tickets to ZooLights are nonrefundable, so plan your visit carefully.
Exchanges are available up to 48 hours before the event date. Ticket exchanges are subject to availability and not guaranteed.
If you’re a Zoo Member and want to exchange your tickets or Member Night Parking Passes, contact [email protected].
Yes. Please visit our Accessibility page for information on how we provide inclusive experiences for all audiences.
The terms and conditions ("Terms of Sale") apply to all purchases and reservations of daily Entry Passes, Memberships, Parking Passes, and Special Event Tickets (“tickets”) from the Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute secure checkout site. This website is for visitors’ personal use only, and all orders are valid only for the stated visitor(s), guest(s), date, and time. Tickets may not be sold or transferred. Tickets reserved through an unauthorized sales channel may be voided or you may be refused admission. Valid identification or proof of membership may be required to enter the Zoo and/or event venue. Parking Passes, Tickets and/or Memberships purchased are nonrefundable. Exchanges are subject to availability. By placing an order, you agree to the Terms of Sale.
Plan Your ZooLights Visit
Due to limited capacity, tickets and parking passes tend to sell out quickly. Guests are encouraged to plan ahead and purchase tickets and parking passes early.
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