ZooLights takes over Stone Zoo in Stoneham, Massachusetts, turning the zoo’s roughly 24 acres into a walk-through display of lights, lanterns and lit-up animal exhibits. The 2026 season runs from November 20, 2026 through January 3, 2027, nightly from 4:00 to 9:30 p.m. (last entry at 8:30 p.m.), with the zoo closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. New for 2026 is a transformed Yukon Creek done up as a candy-themed winter wonderland, complete with a festive model train set, plus a limited Elf Power VR experience.
ZooLights suits families with young kids as well as couples looking for a low-key night out, and most visits take about an hour to 90 minutes at an easy walking pace. The zoo uses dynamic Plan-Ahead Pricing, so tickets are sold for specific dates and the price can rise the closer you get, which makes buying online in advance the better deal. Tickets can also be bought at the gate, but only pending availability and at a higher walk-up price, so online in advance is still the safer bet if your night matters.
Stats at a Glance
- Venue: Stone Zoo
- City: Stoneham
- State: Massachusetts
- Dates: November 20, 2026 to January 3, 2027 (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day)
- Hours: 4:00 to 9:30 p.m. nightly, last entry 8:30 p.m.
- Tickets: Dynamic Plan-Ahead Pricing that changes daily; exact dollar amounts not published, so check the event calendar for your date. EBT/WIC cardholders pay $10 per ticket (up to 4), groups of 20+ pay $12 per person (excludes Saturdays and Thanksgiving weekend), members get a separate discounted member ticket link
- Timed entry: Tickets are sold for a specific date; buying online in advance is recommended, but gate tickets are also sold pending availability at a higher price
- New for 2026: A transformed, candy-themed Yukon Creek with a festive model train set, plus a limited Elf Power VR experience
What’s new for 2026
The headline addition for 2026 is a reimagined Yukon Creek, redone as a candy-themed winter wonderland with a festive model train set running through the display. Zoo New England has also added a limited Elf Power VR experience to the lineup. Returning favorites include the zoo-wide light displays, Santa meet-and-greets, and the Hot Chocolate with the Reindeer experience.
The lights and displays
Lights cover paths throughout Stone Zoo’s roughly 24 acres, with Yukon Creek as the centerpiece this year thanks to its candy-themed redesign and model train. Along the way you’ll pass cold-weather residents like black bears, Canada lynx, reindeer and arctic foxes in their outdoor habitats. The Carousel, Jungle Fun ride, Gnome Adventures self-guided activity and the Elf Power VR experience all run during the event, though the zoo notes rides are weather and staff dependent.
Tickets, prices and member nights
ZooLights uses Plan-Ahead Pricing, meaning ticket prices change daily based on the date, day of the week, and demand, and the zoo says buying further ahead typically means a lower price. Tickets can be bought online in advance through the event page, and the zoo also sells tickets at the gate, but only pending availability and at a higher price than online, so popular evenings can sell out before you arrive. A 4-Pack bundle is available online for discounted admission for up to four guests who enter together. Massachusetts EBT and WIC cardholders get $10 admission per ticket for up to four tickets, and groups of 20 or more can book at $12 per person (this group rate excludes Saturdays and Thanksgiving weekend). Zoo New England members can buy through a separate member ticket link at a members-only rate, though the exact member price isn’t listed on the main event page. Parking is free in the zoo’s nearby lots.
Food, drinks and extras
Snacks and drinks are available at the Yukon Creek Cafe and the Trading Post Gift Shop throughout the event. Visits with Santa run select Friday through Sunday evenings plus two weekday dates, first-come first-served, for $5 per guest (ages 2 and up). The Hot Chocolate with the Reindeer experience lets you meet the zoo’s resident reindeer, Holly and Aoife, with its own ticket that requires advance online purchase and includes ZooLights admission.
Tips for your visit
Book your timed ticket online as early as possible since Plan-Ahead Pricing tends to rise closer to your visit date, and weekend evenings sell out faster than weeknights; gate tickets exist as a backup but cost more and depend on availability. Dress for New England winter cold since the whole event is outdoors, and bring a stroller if needed since paths are paved but can be uneven in spots. Budget 60 to 90 minutes for a full walk-through, more if you add Santa or the reindeer experience. Rides like the Carousel and Jungle Fun can close for weather, so have a backup plan if there’s snow or high wind in the forecast. Parking is free, but arrive a little before your entry time to account for the walk in from the lot.
Explore more: every zoo and garden holiday light show for 2026, by state.
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ZooLights 2026 at Stone Zoo FAQs
When is ZooLights 2026 at Stone Zoo?
ZooLights runs from November 20, 2026 through January 3, 2027, nightly from 4:00 to 9:30 p.m., with the zoo closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
How much are ZooLights tickets in 2026?
Stone Zoo uses dynamic Plan-Ahead Pricing, so the exact price changes by date and day of the week; check the online calendar for your chosen night. EBT/WIC cardholders pay $10 per ticket for up to four tickets, groups of 20 or more pay $12 per person (excluding Saturdays and Thanksgiving weekend), and members can buy through a separate discounted member ticket link.
Do you need to buy ZooLights tickets in advance?
It’s recommended but not required. Buying online in advance usually gets you a lower Plan-Ahead Price and guarantees your spot on a popular night. Tickets are also sold at the gate, but only pending availability and at a higher price than online.
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