Are you looking for good places to enjoy your weekend or holidays? Zoo Lights can be a great choice for a family or friends trip! Here, Trip.com will guide you on how to plan your nightlife for Zoo Lights!✨
When do zoo lights start?
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Zoo Lights Schedule 2024
| Zoo | Start Date | End Date | Special Highlights |
| Lincoln Park Zoo (Chicago) | Nov 15, 2024 | Jan 5, 2025 | Light displays, festive music, food, drinks, and photo ops with light installations |
| LA Zoo | Nov 15, 2024 | Jan 5, 2025 | Themed nights (Ugly Sweater, Family New Year's), VIP options, community-focused nights with local artists, immersive lantern displays |
| Brookfield Zoo (Chicago) | Nov 22, 2024 | Dec 31, 2024 | Giant LED trees, light tunnel, Santa visits, and synchronized light shows |
| Houston Zoo | Nov 17, 2024 | Jan 7, 2025 | 5,000-light oak tree, animal sculptures, holiday snacks like hot cocoa |
| Denver Zoo | Nov 23, 2024 | Jan 5, 2025 | Animal light sculptures, animated displays, and a holiday market |
| Smithsonian’s National Zoo (DC) | Nov 22, 2024 | Jan 4, 2025 | Free event with thousands of LEDs, BrewLights, and Member Nights |
| Detroit Zoo | Nov 23, 2024 | Jan 5, 2025 | 5 million lights, 280 structures, synchronized musical shows, and seasonal treats |
*For the most up-to-date information, please refer to each zoo's official website.
How much do zoo lights tickets?
Zoo lights for Christmas @Trip.com
| Zoo | Ticket Price (Adult) | Ticket Price (Child) | Special Notes |
| Lincoln Park Zoo (Chicago) | $7-$10 | $7-$10 | Free admission on select Mondays |
| LA Zoo Lights (Los Angeles) | $29-$35 | $18-$23 | Prices vary based on date and member discounts |
| Brookfield Zoo (Chicago) | $25-$30 | $21 | Free for members on certain dates |
| Houston Zoo Lights | $24-$30 | $24-$30 | Discounts for members |
| Denver Zoo Lights | $25-$28 | $18-$21 | Ticket prices vary by date |
| ZooLights DC | $6 | $6 | Light displays and holiday-themed activities |
| Detroit Zoo Lights | $17-$25 | $17-$25 | Multiple packages for more events available |
*Price may vary based on different dates, different packages and special discounts, please check the official website for exact price.
✨Lincoln Park Zoo Lights - Chicago,IL
lincoln Park Zoo
The zoo is divided into two parts, one is Pritzker Family Children's Zoo; the other is FarmintheZoo
combination of outdoor and indoor environments where elephants, giraffes, rhinos, and other large mammals live
Overview:
Established in 1868, Lincoln Park Zoo is an iconic Chicago attraction known for its commitment to conservation and education. Spanning 35 acres, the zoo houses over 200 animal species and hosts the popular ZooLights event each winter, drawing large crowds to its free-admission grounds.
ZooLights Hours & Safety
- Dates: November 15, 2024 – January 5, 2025
- Hours: 4:30 PM – 10:00 PM
- Safety: The zoo offers well-lit pathways, staffed assistance, and clearly marked exits to ensure a safe experience. Parking can be challenging, so public transport is recommended.
Go to Lincoln Park Zoo
- By Flight: Chicago O'Hare (ORD) and Midway (MDW) airports serve the city. From either airport, you can take the CTA Blue Line (from O'Hare) or Orange Line (from Midway) to connect with buses or transfers that head toward the Lincoln Park area.
- By Car: Lincoln Park Zoo is located on the northern edge of downtown Chicago. There is paid parking available onsite at Fullerton Parkway and Cannon Drive.
- By Rail: From Union Station, take the #151 or #156 CTA buses to reach Lincoln Park. Alternatively, the Red and Brown Lines also have stops near Lincoln Park.
Hotels near Lincoln Zoo Park
Things to Do in Chicago:
Chicago City Tour with Architecture River Cruise
View of Skyline across by the Planetarium and Nuckingham Fountain
Inclusions Local guide Transport by 12-passenger, air-conditioned minibus Complimentary pickup at most DOWNTOWN CHICAGO hotels. Combination bus and boat tour ends at the boat Four photo stops Chicago River Architecture Boat Tour (if option selected)
Chicago Favorites Ultimate Food and Walking Tour
explore Chicago's famous foods along with the city's top attractions
Enjoy your food tour & receive a bonus 2-hour FREE bike or kayak rental for each ticket bought
✨LA Zoo Lights - Los Angeles, CA
Griffith Park
the largest urban park in North America
Many oak trees and wild sage are planted in the park
Overview:
Located in Griffith Park, the 133-acre LA Zoo is home to 1,400 animals and 270 species. Each holiday season, it hosts the beloved LA Zoo Lights, an immersive experience that includes themed nights and VIP options. The zoo’s conservation programs also highlight efforts to protect California condors and endangered species globally.
ZooLights Hours & Safety
- Dates: November 17, 2024 – January 7, 2025
- Hours: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Safety: The zoo maintains well-lit paths, increased staffing, and designated accessible routes. VIP options allow early access to less crowded areas.
Go to L.A. Zoo
- By Flight: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) are the closest airports. LAX has direct public transit links, or you can take a shuttle to nearby bus routes.
- By Car: Located in Griffith Park, the zoo is accessible from I-5. Paid parking is available onsite for visitors.
- By Rail: The Metro Red Line has a station near Griffith Park; from there, take the #96 bus directly to the zoo.
Hotels near L.A. Zoo
Things to Do in Los Angeles
All Day LA Tour: Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Santa Monica
full-day tour with our fun, exciting and knowledgeable tour guide
Variety of options for food and shopping
Griffith Observatory Guided Tour
Tour the 67,000-square-foot Griffith Observatory with this curated itinerary developed by former observatory employees
Enjoy 40-minute immersive show includes live narration and out-of-this-world projections
Los Angeles Original 90-Minute Walking Tour
features fascinating history of the Hollywood Sign and showcases how LA became the entertainment capital of the world
Experience LA at its finest with the best local guides
✨Brookfield Zoo Lights – Brookfield, IL
Brookfield Zoo
Good for Family Play
Holiday Magic: Chicagoland’s longest-running lights festival featuring over two million twinkling LED lights
Overview:
Spanning 216 acres outside Chicago, Brookfield Zoo is famous for its expansive animal exhibits and focus on animal welfare. Holiday Magic, its annual lights event, is Illinois’ longest-running holiday lights festival and includes a million lights, synchronized shows, and family-friendly activities.
ZooLights Hours & Safety:
- Dates: November 22-24, 29-30 and December 1, 5-8, 12-15, 19-22, 26-31, 2024.
- Hours: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Safety: Enhanced security, accessible pathways, and kid-friendly activity zones. Parking can be limited on peak nights.
Go to Brookfield Zoo
- By Flight: O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway Airport (MDW) are both accessible. You can take the CTA to connect with Metra or Pace buses that serve Brookfield.
- By Car: Brookfield Zoo is located west of downtown Chicago, accessible from I-290 or I-55. Paid parking is available onsite.
- By Rail: From Union Station, take the BNSF Metra line to the Brookfield station, then walk about 10 minutes to reach the zoo.
Hotels near Brookfield Zoo
✨Houston Zoo Lights - Houston, TX
Houston Zoo
Lighted Lantern Animal displays
Snow shower & festive displays
Overview:
Houston Zoo covers 55 acres with over 6,000 animals and 900 species. Known for its focus on animal conservation, the zoo transforms for Zoo Lights with breathtaking light tunnels, a Texas-sized oak tree wrapped in lights, and an adults-only “Sip & Sparkle” night.
Houston CityPASS
Save 49% on admission to the TOP 5 Houston attractions
CityPASS Admission Includes 1 Space Center Houston 2 Downtown Aquarium 3 Houston Museum of Natural Science 4 Houston Zoo OR Museum of Fine Arts, Houston 5 Kemah Boardwalk OR Children's Museum of Houston
ZooLights Hours & Safety:
- Dates: November 17, 2024 – January 7, 2025
- Hours: 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM
- Safety: Ample lighting and accessible routes; attendants monitor crowds, and there are beverage stations to keep visitors refreshed.
Go to Houston Zoo
- By Flight: George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) are nearby. Houston METRO buses serve routes from both airports toward the zoo area.
- By Car: The zoo is located within Hermann Park, accessible from major highways like I-45 and I-69. Paid parking is available nearby within Hermann Park.
- By Rail: METRORail’s Red Line has a stop at Hermann Park/Rice University, a short walk from the zoo entrance.
Hotels near Houston Zoo
Things to Do in Houston:
✨Denver Zoo Lights - Denver, CO
Denver Zoo
650 kinds and more than 3,500 animals and birds from all over the world
80 acres boasting over three million lights
Overview:
Denver Zoo covers 80 acres in City Park and is home to 3,000 animals representing over 400 species. Known for its innovative and eco-friendly approach, Denver Zoo hosts Zoo Lights each winter, featuring animal sculptures, light tunnels, and a festive holiday market.
ZooLights Hours & Safety:
- Dates: November 23-January 5
- Hours: Sun-Thu: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM/ Fri-Sat: 5:00-9:00 PM
- Safety: Secure, family-friendly pathways, multiple exit points, and accessible rest areas.
Go to Denver Zoo
- By Flight: Denver International Airport (DEN) serves the area, with direct bus and rail links to downtown Denver. The A Line connects the airport to Union Station, with transfers available to city buses.
- By Car: Located within City Park, Denver Zoo is accessible from I-70 and has paid parking available for visitors.
- By Rail: From Union Station, take the #20 or #32 bus to reach City Park, where the Denver Zoo is located.
Hotels near Denver Zoo
Things to Do in Denver:
Denver Art Museum
No.1 of Best things to do in Denver
a wide range of art collections, ranging from Asia to Europe
Denver's Highlights and Hidden Gems Guided E-Bike Tour
Come ride Denver's all-in-one best of everything Denver, CO tour
nclusions Bottled water helmet NEW Electric Bike - pedal assist bicycle comfortable and easy to ride
NBA Denver Nuggets Home Game
The Denver Nuggets are a professional basketball team based in Denver, Colorado.
The Nuggets have a storied history in the league, having made multiple playoff appearances and boasting a competitive spirit
✨Smithsonian National Zoo, Washington, D.C.
Smithsonian National Zoological Park
ne of the oldest zoos in the United States and is part of the Smithsonian Institution
Founded in 1889, the zoo's primary mission is to provide leadership in animal care, science, education, sustainability and visitor experience.
Overview:
This 163-acre zoo in D.C. is home to over 2,700 animals and is a leader in animal care and sustainable practices. ZooLights at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo offers vibrant light shows and interactive holiday events, and it's eco-friendly with LED displays.
ZooLights Hours & Safety:
- Dates: November 22, 2024 – January 4, 2025
- Hours: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Sun: 5:00 PM-8:00 PM)
- Safety: Eco-friendly lights illuminate paths with ample staff and emergency stations for visitor safety.
Go to Smithsonian National Zoo
- By Flight: Washington D.C. is served by Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA), Dulles International (IAD), and Baltimore-Washington International (BWI) airports. DCA has Metro access directly into the city.
- By Car: Located in the Woodley Park neighborhood, the zoo is accessible from Connecticut Avenue. Limited paid parking is available onsite.
- By Rail: The Red Line of the Washington Metro has a stop at Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan, which is a 10-minute walk from the zoo.
Hotels near Smithsonian National Zoo
Things to Do in D.C.
Washington DC in One Day: Guided Sightseeing Tour
Board your glamourous, climate-controlled panoramic bus at the U.S. Navy Memorial for one of the best bus tours in Washington DC!
this six-hour excursion also includes a lunch break and the opportunity to travel through the Tidal Basin
Washington DC Night-Time City Bus Tour with Optional Mount Vernon
Zohery Tours operates Excellent Sightseeing Tours for over thirty years in the Washington DC Metropolitan area
new perspective of the nation’s capital in dazzling lights
✨Detroit Zoo Lights - Detroit, MI
Detroit Zoo
Millions of twinkling lights throughout the Zoo
More than 500 immersive displays
Overview
Detroit Zoo spans 125 acres and has over 2,000 animals representing 230 species. Known for immersive exhibits and conservation programs, the zoo’s Wild Lights event offers over five million LED lights and unique animal sculptures.
ZooLights Hours & Safety
- Dates: November 23, 2024 – January 5, 2025
- Hours: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Safety: Security on-site with designated family-friendly zones and seating areas.
Go to Detroit Zoo
- By Flight: Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) serves the area, with SMART buses and rideshares available to reach Royal Oak.
- By Car: Located in Royal Oak, the zoo is accessible from I-696 or Woodward Avenue, with onsite paid parking available for visitors.
- By Rail: Amtrak has service to Detroit, and the Detroit Zoo is accessible by local SMART bus routes from the downtown area.
Hotels near Detroit Zoo
Things to Do in Detroit
GMRenCen
The Detroit Renaissance Center is the most scenic spot in Detroit and the new headquarters of General Motors
the landmark of Detroit
Detroit Institute of Arts
many authentic works of celebrities in the world, and it is a precious art treasure
Various styles and genres are available, and the paintings from the 17th century are the essence of the whole museum.
FAQs
When do zoo lights start and end?
Typically, it will start from November and end in January.How much is zoo lights?
The price is different depending on zoo, age and dates. Most of zoo lights offer great discounts for members.What time does zoo lights close?
Zoo hours will change for different weekdays, special holidays and different zoo parks. Please check the specific zoo lights from official website.