ZooLights at the National Zoo

A Million Lights and a Zoo Train

ZooLights is back at the National Zoo starting Friday, November 20, and this year it runs on select nights through January 3. That's the part to plan around: it isn't open every night. In November and early December it's mostly long weekends, then almost every night the week before Christmas and between Christmas and New Year's. It's closed December 24, 25 and 31 and January 1.

Tickets are $10 for everyone 3 and up, and kids 2 and under get in free. You buy them online ahead of time for a specific night, and they're nonrefundable, so check the forecast before you pick a date. Inside there are more than a million LED lights and over 100 animal lanterns, plus the extras kids will ask for: the Zoo Choo Choo train ($6), a winter maze ($6), light-up glasses ($3) and the carousel ($6, closed when it drops below 35 degrees). You can buy s'mores kits for the fire pits.

Hours are 5 to 9pm Monday through Saturday and 5 to 8pm on Sundays, with last entry 30 minutes before closing. The indoor animal houses are closed on these nights, so think of it as a light walk at the zoo, not a zoo visit. One date to avoid with kids: December 16 is an adults-only night. With little ones I'd pick an early December weeknight and get there right at 5, before the paths fill up.

Parent Tips 💡

• ✓Check the calendar first. ZooLights is only open on select nights, so pick your date before you promise the kids.
• ✓Buy tickets ahead. Capacity is limited and tickets are sold online for a specific night.
• ✓Skip December 16. It's an adults-only night.
• ✓Budget for the extras. The train, maze and carousel are $6 each, and light-up glasses are $3.
• ✓Take Metro if you can. Parking is $30 to $40, and the Red Line drops you a short walk away.

Questions Parents Ask

When is ZooLights 2026?

ZooLights runs on select nights from November 20, 2026 to January 3, 2027: Nov 20-22, Nov 27-29, Dec 4-6, Dec 11-13, Dec 18-23, Dec 26-30 and Jan 2-3. It's closed Dec 24, 25 and 31 and Jan 1.

How much are ZooLights tickets?

Tickets are $10 per person for ages 3 and up, bought online in advance. Kids 2 and under are free. Tickets are nonrefundable.

What are the ZooLights hours?

5 to 9pm Monday through Saturday and 5 to 8pm on Sunday, with last entry 30 minutes before closing. It's open rain or shine.

Are the animal houses open during ZooLights?

No. The indoor animal exhibits are closed on general-admission ZooLights nights.