Zoo Lights once again lights up the night with a holiday light display at the LA Zoo.

The event transforms select areas of the zoo into an immersive landscape filled with spectacular lantern sculptures of animals among blooming flowers, towering trees, and more. This year, Santa returns to join in the fun. 

Guests can enjoy animated and interactive displays and numerous photo ops including luminous swings, “holiday hopscotch,” a giant walk-in kaleidoscope, and more

This year's event offers new installations to enjoy, including:

• An enchanting “Winter Wildlands" magical forest where the northern lights dance in the sky above. 
• Two captivating aquatic animal displays offering a view of giant otters and piranha swimming and harbor seals frolicking, all from an underwater perspective.  
• A mesmerizing "Dazzling Desertscape" set amongst Joshua trees and cacti with live roaming entertainment.

There is a sensory inclusive evening on Tuesday December 3. In addition, Wednesday, December 11, is Pride Night.

LA Zoo Lights runs after regular zoo operating hours; admission to LA Zoo Lights is separate from general admission. Since this is a special evening event, there are no live animals on view. They will be off-exhibit and in their night quarters.

The Zoo recommends allowing 60 - 90 minutes for this self-guided experience. (We were there nearly 3 hours!)  Zoo Lights is a rain-or-shine event. 

Here's what we had to say about our Zoo Lights experience in a previous year.

LA Lights runs from November 15 - January 5, 2024.

Photo Credit: Jamie Pham/GLAZA