ZooLights lights up the Oregon Zoo in Portland’s Washington Park from November 20, 2026 through January 3, 2027, opening nightly at 4:30 p.m. (the zoo is closed November 17 to 19, November 24 to 26, and December 25). The zoo’s event page says more 2026 details are still coming, but the lineup so far carries over the returning magical meadow light show, life-size animal lanterns along the zoo train route, and the walk-through tunnels of lights the event is known for.
ZooLights suits families, couples and anyone who likes a slower, lantern-lit evening out rather than a loud light spectacle. Plan on one and a half to two hours to walk the full 1.25-mile loop, ride the train and grab a snack. Tickets are sold for specific dates and need to be bought in advance online; the zoo also sells an Any Night ticket for anyone who wants flexibility instead of a fixed date.
Stats at a Glance
- Venue: Oregon Zoo
- City: Portland
- State: Oregon
- Dates: November 20, 2026 to January 3, 2027 (closed Nov 17-19, Nov 24-26, Dec 25)
- Hours: Opens nightly at 4:30 p.m.; closing time varies, check the event calendar
- Tickets: $13 to $35 adult, $13 to $30 youth; members save 20% off regular prices
- Timed entry: Dated tickets are tied to a specific night; an Any Night ticket (valid Nov 20 to Dec 31, 2026) skips that requirement
- New for 2026: Not announced yet; the zoo says more 2026 details are coming soon
What’s new for 2026
The Oregon Zoo’s official ZooLights page notes that more 2026 event details are still to come, so no brand-new displays have been confirmed yet for this season. The lineup announced so far is built around returning favorites: the magical meadow light show (which debuted in 2024 and returned in 2025), the life-size animal lanterns strung along the zoo train route, and the walk-through tunnels of lights that have become the event’s signature. Check the official event page closer to opening night for any updates.
The lights and displays
Visitors walk a roughly 1.25-mile path through illuminated tunnels and wildlife-themed lantern displays, catch the magical meadow light show, or hop on the zoo train to see the animal lanterns along its route without walking the whole loop. The zoo notes that most live animals are not on view at night during ZooLights, since they are off display while keepers complete evening duties after the zoo’s regular daytime hours.
Tickets, prices and member nights
Adult tickets run $13 to $35 and youth tickets $13 to $30, with prices varying by date, so an earlier or less popular night can cost less than a weekend in December. Oregon Zoo members get 20% off regular ticket prices. The zoo also runs a few special-audience nights built into the regular calendar, including BrewLights (Nov 13-14), a Member Preview Night (Nov 15), a Sensory Friendly Night (Nov 16) and 21+ Only nights (Jan 1-2). Parking is limited on-site and paid via pay stations or the Parking Kitty app, with free Park & Ride lots also available, including one about 8 minutes away at the Sunset Transit Center with MAX trains running every 10 minutes or less.
Food, drinks and extras
Seasonal food stands sell elephant ears, hot chocolate, popcorn and s’mores, and adults can get beer, wine and other non-alcoholic drinks. The zoo train is included with general admission and is the easiest way to see the animal lanterns if you don’t want to walk the full route. For a splurge, private Snow Globe sessions ($300 for up to 6 guests for 60 minutes) include a heated space with a fire pit, hot cocoa and s’mores.
Tips for your visit
Weeknights in late November and early January tend to be quieter than December weekends, so buy dated tickets early if you want a specific weekend evening. Arrive close to the 4:30 p.m. opening if you want to beat the busiest hours. Dress warmly since most of the visit is outdoors and on foot, and check the forecast since Portland’s winter rain can make the walking path slick. Strollers are fine on the paved path, and the zoo train offers a seated option for anyone who can’t walk the full loop.
Explore more: every zoo and garden holiday light show for 2026, by state.
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ZooLights 2026 at the Oregon Zoo FAQs
When is ZooLights 2026 at the Oregon Zoo?
ZooLights runs from November 20, 2026 through January 3, 2027, opening nightly at 4:30 p.m. The zoo is closed November 17-19, November 24-26, and December 25.
How much are ZooLights tickets in 2026?
Adult tickets range from $13 to $35 and youth tickets from $13 to $30, depending on the date. Oregon Zoo members get 20% off regular prices.
Do you need to buy ZooLights tickets in advance?
Yes, tickets are sold online for a specific date and should be bought ahead of time. If you’d rather not commit to one night, the zoo also sells an Any Night ticket valid November 20 through December 31, 2026.
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Photo: DJ Cane / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.