The National Zoo is already a magical place for children, but when you add thousands of sparkling lights, the Zoo is transformed into a winter wonderland like none other. ZooLights at the National Zoo is an event that the whole family can enjoy. Visitors will have the chance to meet keepers in some of the animal exhibits, see dancing trees in the Panda Plaza, learn about the Zoo's animals in winter, as well as enjoy storytelling, live entertainment and cookie decorating. Click here to see some of the video highlights from the event last year.
Pepco, a sponsor of the light festival, will also be educating visitors on simple ways that we can all conserve energy.
Animal Houses Open During ZooLights
Most of the animal houses will be open and include:
- Small Mammal House
- Great Apes
- Reptile Discovery Center
- Think Tank
- Kids Farm
Dates and Times
December 4, 2009 – December 13, 2009 (Friday through Sunday nights)
December 18, 2009 - January 2, 2010 (Open every night except December 24, 25 & 31)
Zoolights takes place from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Tickets
Tickets go on sale early November 2009.
$6 for FONZ members
$10 for nonmembers
$20 for a FONZ member family pack of four tickets
$200 for groups of 25
Kids under two are free.
Purchase Tickets at the Zoo's Visitor Center or online at Ticketmaster.
Insider Tips
- The nights can be chilly in the District during late November and December. Be certain to dress in layers.
- Parking can be a nightmare near the zoo and it if you want to save yourself the expense of parking in the Zoo parking lot, I suggest you take the metro.
