ZooLights

couple takes a selfie at Zoolights 2023

Celebrate the holidays at ZooLights! Enjoy twinkling lights and a festive atmosphere as this beloved winter classic returns to the Smithsonian's National Zoo. 

Journey through magical displays of glowing animal lanterns, watch live musical performances, sip hot cocoa and other festive treats, and explore the Zoo under the dazzling glow of one million environmentally-friendly LED lights.

ZooLights is a family-friendly, conservation-minded holiday tradition — each visit helps support the Zoo’s mission to save species and protect habitats worldwide.

Book Your Tickets

Activities

  • Animal lanterns 
    Discover dozens of hand-painted lanterns showing animals in their natural habitats.
  • Live entertainment
    Enjoy performances and demonstrations from local groups every weekend.
  • Hot cocoa and sweet treats ($) 
    Warm up with hot cocoa and seasonal snacks available at stations throughout the Zoo.
  • Train rides ($) 
    All aboard! Enjoy a kid-friendly ride as the National Zoo Choo Choo makes its way around Lion-Tiger Hill. Tickets available at Visitor Center, Lion-Tiger Hill and the Igloo by Lemur Island.
  • Adventure maze ($) 
    NEW this year! Get lost in the season as you explore a twinkling maze with surprises at every turn! Tickets available at Visitor Center, Lion-Tiger Hill and the Igloo by Lemur Island.
  • Festive glasses ($)
    Make ZooLights even more magical! Transform lights into a flurry of twinkling snowflakes with this fun wearable upgrade. Available at Visitor Center, Lion-Tiger Hill and the Igloo by Lemur Island.
  • Carousel rides ($) 
    Take a spin on beautifully hand-carved animals at the Speedwell Foundation Conservation Carousel. (Riders under 42 inches must be accompanied by an adult.) Tickets available in front of the carousel.

Know Before You Go

  • Entry to ZooLights is $9 per person. Children over 2 years old must have a ticket.
  • Parking is available at a flat rate of $30 per vehicle.
  • All guests — including Zoo Members — must pay the special event parking rate. Member benefits and daily parking passes cannot be used for ZooLights.
  • No animals will be on exhibit during ZooLights.
  • Tickets for rides and attractions are available for purchase onsite.
  • Proceeds from this event support the Zoo's animal care and conservation science programs to protect endangered species around the world. 
Carousel at the Zoo lit up with glowing holiday string lights.
A lantern shaped like a male lion.
A picture of three glowing lanterns that are shaped to look like zebras
A lantern in the shape of a chameleon extending its tongue.

MORE INFORMATION

Tickets: ZooLights tickets are $9 per person. Each attendee, including children over the age of 2, will need a ticket.  To help Zoo staff scan tickets efficiently, all members of a single party should plan on entering the event together.  Please have your ticket QR codes ready to scan upon entering the Zoo. Your digital tickets can be accessed in your online account or by email. 

Parking: Parking is available for pre-purchase online at $30 per vehicle.

Interested in bringing your corporate gathering, community organization or other large party of 50 or more to ZooLights? Visit our ZooLights groups page to inquire about bulk ticket sales.

Parking

A flat-rate parking fee of $30 applies to all ZooLights attendees. Last entry to ZooLights is at 9 p.m. on Mondays-Saturdays, and 8:00 p.m. on Sundays.

All guests — including Zoo Members — must pay the special event parking rate. Member benefits and daily parking passes cannot be used for ZooLights.

Walking

Zoo visitors traveling on foot may enter from the Connecticut Avenue pedestrian entrance or the Harvard Street bridge entrance.

Metro

The Zoo is accessible via the Red Line to the Woodley Park-Zoo or Cleveland Park metro station. The Zoo entrance lies halfway between these stops, and both are a short walk from the Zoo.  

ZooLights is open rain or shine. Certain attractions or activities are weather dependent and may be limited at the discretion of staff. Guests may transfer their purchased tickets to a different date up to 11:59 p.m. the day before the original event date, subject to availability, so check the forecasts and plan ahead.

Be sure to check the Zoo’s website and/or social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram or X for any weather-related updates. If severe weather forces a full cancellation, guests will receive a refund for their tickets.

Ticket refunds are not available, but guests may transfer their purchased tickets to a different date up to 11:59 p.m. the day before the original event date, subject to availability. Date Night tickets cannot be refunded or exchanged for other ZooLights nights — all sales are final.

Fridays 

Ice carvings at Conservation Pavilion patio

Saturdays

Live performances at Conversation Pavilion patio

  • Nov. 22: Capital Accord Chorus
  • Nov. 29: Boyle School
  • Dec. 6: MCPS Pyle Middle School Choir
  • Dec. 13: Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School Choir
  • Dec. 20: Cathedral Choral Society
  • Dec. 27: Painted Trillium
  • Jan. 3: Lost and Sound

Sundays

Solo musicians at Elephant Outpost lounge

Zoo Members can attend special members-only nights on Dec. 9, 10, and 11, from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Member Nights benefits include six free entry tickets (additional tickets available for $9), 15% off in-park food and retail, and a free cup of hot cocoa.

Don’t forget to present your membership card and photo ID at checkout to receive food and retail discounts.

Refunds and Exchanges: Ticket refunds are not available, but members may exchange their purchased tickets to a different date up to 48 hours before the original event date by contacting ZooMembership@si.edu.

Families can enjoy special winter treats, including hot chocolate, warm alcoholic drinks, s’mores, and more. Hungry visitors can dine indoors at Elevation Burger, outdoors at Sbarro Pizza or enjoy ZooLights specials at the Bootheel BBQ food truck. 

All ZooLights pathways are wheelchair accessible. Please note that the Zoo’s main pathway is located on a hill with a significant decline from top to bottom.

For more information, email our Visitor Services team. 

Wheelchair and Electronic Vehicle Rental

Wheelchairs, electronic convenience vehicles (or "scooters",) strollers, and wagons are available on a first-come, first-served basis inside the Visitor Center during ZooLights hours. 

Manual Wheelchair: Free
Single-seat Electronic Convenience Vehicle: $40
Stroller: $15
Wagon: $17
Visitors are also welcome to bring their own mobility devices.

Zoo Members enjoy a 15% discount on rental rates.

Note: A photo ID or driver's license from the U.S. or other country of origin is required for all rentals. Passports are not accepted for security and safety concerns. Operators must be 18 years or older.

Accessible Restrooms

Restrooms are located at the Visitor Center, Panda Plaza and Conservation Pavilion. All restrooms throughout the Zoo are accessible. The Visitor Center’s restrooms, water fountains and Asia Trail gift shop are accessible via wheelchair lift.

Family restrooms are located in the Visitor Center, Elephant Outpost and Conservation Pavilion. All restrooms at the Zoo have automatic flushing mechanisms.

Social Narrative

Explore the ZooLights Social Narrative and Sensory-Friendly Tip Sheet for a head-up on what you may encounter while touring ZooLights.

To contact our Events team, click here.

The Pavilion at ZooLights is the perfect location for your next holiday party. Located in the heart of the Zoo, this private and exclusive venue is open for bookings throughout the entire ZooLights season.