2025 Oregon ZooLights

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.

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2025 Oregon ZooLights

The 2025 ZooLights event is at the Oregon Zoo on select dates from November 21, 2025 through January 4, 2026 (closed November 25-27 and 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, most zoo animals 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 2025 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 2025 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 21-24: $21 for adults and $16 for kids.
• December 1-4: $21 for adults and $16 for kids. 
• January 1-2 and 4: $13 for adults and kids.

If you are looking to view beautiful holiday light displays for free, check out Lightopia and Peacock Lane.

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, limit four tickets. 

This year, these tickets can be easily purchase online through one ticket portal. Photo ID and proof of income-assistance program benefits and residency required with your ticket at the gate.

Eligible programs include:

• Oregon Trail card
• Washington Quest card
• Oregon Health Plan (OHP) or Apple Health
• WIC – eWIC card
• TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)

ZooLights 21+ Only Night

On January 3, attend a special adults-only ZooLights night. Tickets are $29 per person. 

Parking and Free Trimet Fare

The Oregon Zoo Lights is at 4001 SW Canyon Road in Portland. Parking is $2.40 per hour or $9.60 for the day. 

New this year, your ZooLights ticket gets you rides on buses and MAX to and from the Oregon Zoo. This free ride is only valid on the ticket date.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Oregon Zoo’s website.

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Looking for more holiday events? Here’s a full list: