ZooLights at the National Zoo

Fri Nov 24, 2023 - Sat Dec 30, 2023
- see all dates
Repeating every week — Sundays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays through December 30, 2023
Except December 24, 2023.
Also on December 26, 2023, December 27, 2023.
5:00pm to 9:00pm ET
Age: All Ages
Price: $6; 2 and under Free; Parking $30
Location:
Smithsonian's National Zoo

This annual festive event features a variety of attractions including light shows, musical performances, inflatable slides, a train ride, and an outdoor market.

ZooLights does not feature animals, and all indoor exhibits are closed. Attractions may not be open when temperatures are 35 degrees or below. 

The last admittance for ZooLights is 8:30pm Thursdays - Saturdays and 7:30pm on Sundays.

*This year, ZooLights has a ticket price of $6 per individual. Each attendee over age 2 needs a ticket. Parking is available for pre-purchase online at $30 per vehicle.

Paid tickets are a change from past years when this special event was free to attend. The ticket fee offsets the significant increase in costs associated with running this event. Proceeds from the event directly benefit animal care and conservation science at Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.

Check out our full list of holiday lights in DC!

** Activity dates/times are subject to change. Please click through to the activity website to verify.