The Oregon Zoo’s special holiday attraction lets you walk on the wild side of a winter wonderland. Oregon ZooLights features more than 1.5 million lights and gives visitors a whole new zoo experience.
This year, explore all the opportunities to experience one of Portland’s best holiday light displays.
You may also enjoy:
Portland Christmas Ships Parade Schedule
Lightopia: Hillsboro’s Free Drive-Through Light Display
Winter Gleam: A New Holiday Light Experience at Oaks Amusement Park
2024 Oregon ZooLights
The 2024 ZooLights event is at the Oregon Zoo on select dates from November 22 through January 5, 2024 (closed on Christmas day). At this immersive and dazzling event, you’ll view the Oregon Zoo like never before.
As you walk along the forested pathways, pass through tunnels of sparkling lights, see colorful animal displays, take a ride on the zoo train or carousel, and marvel at the zoo’s biggest ever light display.
While you’re there, enjoy your favorite snacks, including elephant ears, hot chocolate, popcorn, s’mores, beer, wine and more.
ZooLights walking route is about 1.25 miles. With lots of photo opportunities and places to take in all the sparkling lights, plan on spending 90 minutes at the event. Once you enter for ZooLights, you can stay until the event ends.
Also, the drive-through version of ZooLights is no longer offered and zoo animals likely won’t be viewable at this event.
Attendance is highest on weekends and the weeks surrounding December 25. To avoid the crowds, plan on attending early and during a week night or after Christmas.
Here’s a breakdown of ticket options for the 2024 event, including discount and flexible ticket options.
Tickets
All guests must reserve Oregon ZooLights tickets online in advance. There will not be tickets for sale onsite.
You will reserve a time for your visit during checkout. The event starts at 4:30 p.m. with the latest entry times at 7 to 9 p.m., depending on the night. If you can’t commit to a specific time or day, there’s a new Zoo Lights Any Night ticket that can be used spontaneously for any night and time throughout the season.
Here is the pricing for the 2024 event:
- Adult ticket price range (ages 12 and up): $13 to $35
- Youth ticket price range (ages 2 to 11): $13 to $30
- Infant (ages 0 to 1): Free
Tickets do not have additional processing fees.
You can add on train and carousel tickets when you buy your Zoo Lights tickets. Train and carousel tickets are also for sale at the event.
Value Nights
If you’re looking for the best nights to visit Oregon Zoo Lights? There are select value nights throughout the holiday season.
- November 22-25: $20 for adults and $15 for kids.
- December 2-5: $20 for adults and $15 for kids.
- January 1-5: $13 for adults and kids.
If you are looking to view beautiful holiday light displays for free, check out Portland Christmas Ships Parade and Lightopia.
Income-Assistance Tickets
The Oregon Zoo offers discounted Zoo Lights admission to Oregon and Washington individuals and families who qualify for income assistance programs. Admission is $13 per person.
Eligible programs include:
- Oregon Trail card
- Washington Quest card
- Medicaid/CHIP WIC – eWIC card TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
If you qualify, discounted tickets can be purchased at this Oregon Zoo link.
The Oregon Zoo Lights is at 4001 SW Canyon Road in Portland. Parking is $2 per hour or $8 for the day.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Oregon Zoo’s website.
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