Zoo Lights Drive-Thru
Visitors drive through the zoo to see thousands of eco-friendly lights, glowing illuminated animals, yuletide scenes, familiar Pittsburgh icons, and an area honoring recent zoo babies. Guests can tune in to a festive holiday music podcast while journeying along the pathway. Before or after the drive, guests can stop at the entrance plaza hospitality station for seasonal food, drinks, and glowing retail items.
What to Expect
Drive-through light safari featuring illuminated animals and Pittsburgh icons.
Event Details
Duration
The estimated drive-through takes around 30 minutes; travel time may vary due to traffic.
Food & Drink
Seasonal food and drinks are available for purchase at the entrance-plaza Hospitality Area.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and groups who enjoy holiday lights from the comfort of a vehicle
Vibe
Festive, cozy, twinkling
Energy Level
Low
Photo Friendly
Moderate
Weather Sensitivity
Low
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: $40 per member vehicle; $45 per non-member vehicle; $65 Flex Tickets. Flat rate includes all guests in the vehicle, as many as can be safely buckled with a seatbelt. – Get tickets
- Hours: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM; last entry at 10:00 PM.
- Parking: Arrive at the main parking lot on the day and time specified on the ticket.
- Accessibility: Guests remain inside their personal vehicles throughout the tour, and service animals are permitted.
- Pets: Pets are prohibited during the drive-thru, except service animals.
Tips & Advice
- Choose your day and arrival time when buying, then reach the main parking lot within that ticketed slot; early or late entry is not permitted.
- Use the smallest vehicle available: pathways are narrow, and vehicles over 20 feet long or 6½ feet wide are not allowed.
- Keep everyone buckled inside with doors, tailgates, and hatchbacks closed throughout the route, as guests cannot exit their vehicles.
- Stop at the entrance-plaza Hospitality Area before or after driving for restrooms, seasonal refreshments, and glowing retail available for purchase.
- Come prepared for rain, snow, or sleet, because the drive-through runs in all weather and tickets are non-refundable.
Special Events & Promotions
- Zoo members receive a discounted per-vehicle ticket.
- Flex Tickets are available as a separate ticket option.
- New this year: a hospitality station in the Zoo’s entrance plaza, with seasonal food and drink.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book a ticket for each person?
One timed ticket is required per vehicle and covers everyone in it who can safely wear a seat belt.
What will I see during the drive?
The route features thousands of eco-friendly lights, illuminated animals, yuletide scenes, Pittsburgh icons and an area honoring recent Zoo babies.
Can I get food or use a restroom during the visit?
The Entrance Plaza Hospitality Area has seasonal food and drinks, glowing retail items and restrooms; visitors must stay in their vehicles during the drive.
How long should I allow for the drive-through?
The drive takes around 30 minutes, though travel time can vary with traffic.
What vehicle rules should I know before setting out?
Everyone must be buckled in, and doors, tailgates and hatchbacks must stay closed. Vehicles must be no longer than 20 feet or wider than 6½ feet; mini buses and passenger vans are not permitted.
More Christmas Events near Pittsburgh
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.