ZooLights
Visitors walk through vibrant tunnels of glittering lights and take in wildlife-inspired displays across the grounds. Guests can also ride the zoo train to spot dozens of life-size animal lanterns along the route. Seasonal treats including Elephant ears, s'mores, hot chocolate, beer, and wine are available throughout the zoo.
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Plan Your Visit
Website / Tickets
When
Tickets
Adult tickets: $13 to $35; youth tickets: $13 to $30. Members receive 20% off regularly priced tickets; no additional discounts on Value Nights. A private Snow Globe experience costs $300 for each 60-minute session for up to six guests; beer, wine and donuts are also available to purchase, with no prices stated.
Hours
ZooLights opens nightly at 4:30 p.m. Listed closing times: Nov. 20, 22–23 and Dec. 30–31, 2026, and Jan. 3, 2027: 8:30 p.m.; Nov. 21 and Nov. 29, 2026: 9 p.m.; Nov. 27–28 and Dec. 18–23, 2026: 10 p.m. (Nov. 27–28) and 10:30 p.m. (Dec. 18–23); Nov. 30–Dec. 3, 2026: 8:30 p.m.; Dec. 4–5, 2026: 10:30 p.m.; Dec. 6–10, 2026: 9:30 p.m.; Dec. 11–12, 2026: 10:30 p.m.; Dec. 13–17, 2026: 10 p.m.; Dec. 24, 2026: 10 p.m.; Dec. 26–27, 2026: 10:30 p.m.; Dec. 28–31, 2026: 9 p.m. The Jan. 1–2, 2027 21+ Adult Night listings are 4:30 to 10:30 p.m. and are separate sessions.
Food & Drink
ZooLights offers Elephant ears, hot chocolate, popcorn, s’mores, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks; private Snow Globe guests also get hot cocoa and s’mores, with beer, wine, and donuts available to purchase.
Parking
A limited amount of parking is available in the lot adjacent to the zoo and throughout the park; parking can be paid for at pay stations or with the Parking Kitty app. Free off-site parking and shuttle service may be available. The page also recommends free TriMet Park & Ride parking, including Sunset Transit Center, and says to ride the MAX one stop east. Free Park & Ride spaces are first-come, first-served; MAX trains serve the zoo every 10 minutes or less, and MAX fare is required.
Going?
Location
Tips & Advice
- Reserve a Snow Globe session in advance if you want a private space, included hot cocoa and s’mores, and fast-pass train tickets.
- Use a TriMet Park & Ride such as Sunset Transit Center and take MAX to the zoo; show your ZooLights ticket for TriMet travel.
- If driving, check for parking availability as you enter the park; nearby zoo parking is limited and may require payment.
- Allow about 90 minutes for the route, which is a little over one mile, and remember that most animals are off view.
- Buy member tickets at the regular ticket rate to use the member discount, but note that it does not apply on Value Nights.
Special Events & Promotions
- Value Nights are November 20–23, November 30–December 3, and January 3; members receive a discount on regularly priced tickets, with no additional discount on Value Nights.
- Members receive a discount on regularly priced ZooLights tickets.
- Any Night tickets bought in advance can be used on any night from November 20 to December 31, 2026.
- A private Snow Globe session is sold separately and includes fast-pass train tickets; beer, wine and donuts are available to purchase separately.
- ZooLights tickets provide TriMet travel to and from the zoo on the admission date.
Links & Contact
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ZooLights suitable for children?
ZooLights welcomes visitors of all ages. The separate 21+ Only Nights are not part of the regular ZooLights schedule.
How long is the light route?
The path is a little over one mile, and most guests spend about 90 minutes enjoying the lights.
What food and drinks are available?
Visitors can find Elephant ears, hot chocolate, popcorn, s’mores, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic options.
What are the transportation and parking options?
The zoo is accessible by car, public transportation, bicycle, or foot. Limited parking is available nearby; free Park & Ride parking and MAX service are also options.
Will I see animals during ZooLights?
Some animals may be visible, but most are off view during ZooLights.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.