Illustration of a crowd looking up at a town hall lit in coloured light as snow falls (Zoo Lights)

Zoo Lights

Visitors explore maintained zoo trails illuminated by custom trailside lights and overhead canopies. The annual festival features custom animated light displays throughout the grounds. Guests can also stop at a polar bear bench designed for holiday photos.

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Plan Your Visit

Website / Tickets

alaskazoo.org

When

Tickets

$25/person ages 16+; $15/person ages 15 & under; ages 2 and under free. Members ages 3+ get 30% off per ticket, applied at the gate with membership or online when signed into a current membership account. Tickets bought online have a small service fee. On Monday, November 30th, tickets are ONLINE ONLY from 12am to 11:59pm for an additional 40% off regular ticket prices; small service fees apply in checkout.

Hours

5-8pm on all listed open dates.

Going?

Location

See it and nearby events on the map
The Alaska Zoo · 4731 O'Malley Road, Anchorage, AK 99507 Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families and holiday visitors

Vibe

Festive and glowing

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

High

Tips & Advice

  • Check the listed event dates before setting out, because Zoo Lights runs on selected evenings rather than every night.
  • Buy tickets online if convenient, allowing for a small service fee; gate tickets are also available during open Zoo Lights hours.
  • If you’re a current member and age 3 or older, sign into your membership account online or show membership at the gate for 30% off.
  • Dress warmly for an evening outdoors, since the displays run along maintained zoo trails during Alaska’s winter season.
  • For the Cyber Monday deal, buy online on November 30; sale tickets are valid once during any open 2026/2027 Zoo Lights time.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Ages 2 and under enter free.
  • Zoo members ages 3+ get a per-ticket discount; show membership at the gate or sign in to a current membership account online.
  • Online-only CyberMonday ticket sale on November 30; tickets are valid for one use during any open 2026/2027 Zoo Lights session.
  • Opening Weekend is November 27–29.
  • Zoo Lights runs nightly December 18–January 3, except December 25, when the Zoo is closed.

Links & Contact

Website / Tickets

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

What can visitors see along the trails?

The displays include custom animated lights, trailside lights, overhead canopies and a polar bear bench for photos.

How extensive is the light festival?

It covers 30 acres of maintained zoo trails.

Are tickets available at the gate as well as online?

Yes. Tickets are sold online and at the gate during open Zoo Lights hours.

What ages are covered by the child ticket category?

The child category is for visitors aged 15 and under; children aged two and under enter free.

Can CyberMonday sale tickets be used on different open nights?

Each ticket bought in the CyberMonday sale is valid for one use during any open Zoo Lights time in the 2026/2027 season.

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.

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