ZooLights Member Nights

crowd enjoys Zoolights

As a special thank you to our Zoo community, members and their families are invited to enjoy exclusive ZooLights evenings!

Enjoy complimentary holiday treats and soak in the magic of dazzling animal light displays — all while the Zoo is closed to the public. Take a break from the lights and explore special after-hours access to several animal exhibits, and free unlimited rides on the Conservation Carousel (weather permitting.)

Zoo members can reserve up to six free entry tickets for Member Nights. Additional tickets available for purchase.

We also welcome members to attend during regular ZooLights nights.

Looking for the perfect holiday gift? Memberships make a wonderful stocking stuffer and help support animal care and conservation all year long.

Activities

  • Animal lanterns 
    Discover dozens of hand-painted lanterns showing animals in their natural habitats.
  • 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.) Free tickets available in front of the carousel.
  • 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 near Lemur Island.
  • Adventure maze ($) 
    NEW this year! Get lost in the season as you explore a twinkling maze with surprises at every turn! Tickets available at Visitor Center, Lion-Tiger Hill and the Igloo near Lemur Island.
  • Festive glasses ($)
    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 near Lemur Island.

MORE INFORMATION

Parking for this event is available for a flat fee of $30. All guests — including Zoo members — are required to pay the special event parking rate. Member benefits and daily parking passes cannot be used for ZooLights.

Tickets: Up to six free tickets per membership. Each attendee, including children over the age of 2, will need a ticket. Additional tickets available for $9 each for Member Nights.

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. 

Refunds and Exchanges: Tickets are non-refundable. Members may exchange their free or purchased tickets to a different date up to 48 hours before the original event date by contacting ZooMembership@si.edu. Exchanges are subject to availability.

In addition to six free tickets for these exclusive nights, members will receive a complimentary cup of hot cocoa and candy canes. Visit the team at The Pavilion at ZooLights near Lion-Tiger Hill to claim yours!

Don’t forget to present your membership card and photo ID at checkout to enjoy 15% off food and retail purchases.