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.
TICKETS
New this year: This year, ZooLights will have a ticket price of $6 per individual. Each attendee, including children over the age of 2, will need a ticket. Parking is available for pre-purchase online at $30 per vehicle. Daytime parking tickets are not valid for ZooLights parking.
Paid tickets are a change from past years when this special event was free to attend. The ticket fee will offset the significant increase in costs associated with running this event. Proceeds from the event will directly benefit animal care and conservation science at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.
All proceeds from ZooLights concessions and parking sales benefit animal care and conservation science at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.
Address:
Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute
3001 Connecticut Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20008