ZooLights at Smithsonian's National Zoo
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.
Please help us keep this calendar up to date! If this activity is sold out, canceled, or otherwise needs alteration, email mindy@kidsoutandabout.com so we can update it immediately. If you have a question about the activity itself, please contact the organization administrator listed below.
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.
- 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.
Location:
Smithsonian National Zoological Park, Connecticut Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC, USA
See map: Google Maps
*Times, dates, and prices of any activity posted to our calendars are subject to change. Please be sure to click through directly to the organization’s website to verify.
Contact name:
Pamela Baker-Masson- Associate Director of Communications and Exhibits
Email address:
Dates:
Time:
5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Mondays - Saturdays
5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sundays
Last entry 30 minutes before end of event.
Price:
General Admission: $9 per guest (ages 2 and up)
Member Night (Dec. 9–11): Free for members (limit 6 tickets per membership)
Adults-Only Date Night (Dec. 17): $19 per person
Parking: $30 per vehicle
Ages
All Ages Adults & kids together Adults without kidsWeb Service