Zoolights
Visitors stroll through outdoor pathways illuminated by more than 1.5 million sparkling lights. Light displays include a giant Pacific octopus, the Narrows Bridges, the Flame Tree, a Seahawks tree, and a walk-through light tunnel. Guests can also view several of Thomas Dambo's giant outdoor trolls or search for a hidden Sasquatch display.
What to Expect
Over 1.5 million sparkling lights transform the zoo into a winter wonderland.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Point Defiance Park
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
Food & Drink
The Plaza Cafe and outdoor stands offer to-go soups, pizza, burgers, snacks, and drinks.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and holiday-light fans
Vibe
Festive and dazzling
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: November 27–December 13: Monday–Thursday (ages 3+), members $8 and general admission $16; Friday–Sunday (ages 3+), members $11 and general admission $22. December 14–January 3: nightly (ages 3+), members $11 and general admission $22. Ages 2 and under are free. Flex tickets valid any night are $30 for members and general admission. – Get tickets
- Hours: 4:30PM - 10:00PM.
- Parking: Parking is free.
- Accessibility: A Zoolights Social Story explains the visit step by step, and a Sensory-Friendly Night on January 9 has adjusted lighting and reduced music.
- Pets: Guests may bring a dog on the separately named Dog Nights, on select dates.
Tips & Advice
- Buy timed tickets online once sales open on October 19, because online timed tickets are required to get into Zoolights.
- Pick a Monday through Thursday night before December 13 to save money, because those nights cost less than Friday through Sunday in that stretch.
- Wear waterproof and windproof layers, because Zoolights is outdoors, runs rain or shine, and tickets aren't refunded for bad weather.
- Buy Dog Night tickets early, because there are only a limited number and none are sold at the front gate.
- Come back during the day to see the animals and all four Trolls, because the aquariums are closed and not every Troll can be seen during Zoolights.
Special Events & Promotions
- Dog Nights on December 1, 2, 8, 9 and 15, and January 3, with a ticket covering one dog and one adult (online only, limited).
- Sensory-Friendly Night on January 9 with adjusted lighting and reduced music; timed online tickets required.
- Scouts Nights on November 30 and December 7, with a special rate for scouts and scout leaders.
- Groovy Goats: Zoolights Edition, a holiday-themed private goat encounter before you head into the lights (book separately, space limited).
- Lower Monday through Thursday ticket prices from November 27 to December 13, plus flex tickets good for any night.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my dog?
Only on Dog Nights: December 1, 2, 8, 9 and 15, and January 3. A Dog Night ticket covers one dog and one adult. Tickets are limited and sold only online, never at the front gate.
Will we see any animals?
No. The aquariums are closed and the animals are asleep during Zoolights. Come back during the day to see them.
What food is available?
The Plaza Cafe and outdoor stands serve food to go, including soups, pizza, burgers, snacks and drinks.
Is Zoolights sensory-friendly?
A Zoolights Social Story walks guests through the visit step by step. There's also a Sensory-Friendly Night on January 9 with adjusted lighting and reduced music, and it needs timed online tickets.
Can we see Thomas Dambo's Trolls?
Yes. Boge, Poppy and Birch are included with Zoolights admission, but not all the Trolls can be seen at night. Visit during the day to see all four.
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