With the government shutdown officially coming to an end this week, the Smithsonian is starting to reopen its museums and venues. And that means that the National Zoo will reopen just in time for its annual ZooLights celebration.
Each weekend from November 21 through January 3, 2026, one million lights transform the zoo into a festive winter wonderland. The event will be hosted from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Sundays.
ZooLights will mark the zoo’s first event of the holiday season. Its Halloween events — Boo at the Zoo and Night of the Living Zoo — were canceled due to the shutdown.
Lights, Bites, and Special Nights
While there are no live animals on exhibit during ZooLights, there’s still plenty to be seen in the form of colorful lights. Dozens of hand-painted lanterns and lighted wire-frame displays will showcase the animals in their natural habitats.
In addition to the lights, there are plenty of holiday activities to enjoy. The zoo will host live entertainment from local groups every weekend. Guests can also pay a little extra to try the hot cocoa and holiday treats. Visitors can grab a festival glass, take a spin on the carousel, or get lost in the new adventure maze.
ZooLights will also be hosting two special nights this season: Member Nights and Date Night. From December 9 to 11, members of the Zoo can experience the holiday event for free and also enjoy complimentary treats. On the December 17 Date Night, guests 21 and older can enjoy a kid-free experience while taking in the holiday lights. Tickets for Date Night are $19.
General admission tickets go on sale on Saturday, November 15. Tickets for the rain or shine event are $9 for anyone over the age of 2. Guests can also purchase parking for $30.
Feature image courtesy Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
