The Oregon Zoo’s special holiday attraction lets you walk on the wild side of a winter wonderland. ZooLights features more than 1.5 million lights and gives visitors a whole new zoo experience.
This year, you’ll have two ways to experience one of Portland’s best holiday light displays.
2022 Oregon ZooLights
The 2022 ZooLights event is taking place at the Oregon Zoo from November 23 through January 8 (closed on Christmas). The event will have walk-through and drive-through experiences.
Extended Discount Nights
ZooLights is extending its annual light display by three days and offering almost half off admission.
From Friday, January 6 through Sunday, January 8, tickets are only $12 per person. This ticket price is for all ages.
All guests must reserve tickets in advance via the zoo website. Entry times are available from 4:30 to 7 p.m.
Walk-through Nights
Choose an evening to stroll through the many walkways and see the dazzling lights and animated displays at the Oregon Zoo during walk-through nights.
Walk-through nights are taking place on select days from November 25-January 8. Here’s the schedule:
- November 25-28
- December 2-5
- December 10-24
- December 9-2 (closed Christmas day)
- December 6-8 (Discount nights)
Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase at ZooLights.
Drive-through nights
Drive-through nights let you cruise by all your favorite ZooLights displays inside the Oregon Zoo from the comfort of your car. You’ll see many of the same displays from past years, including animated animals, immersive tunnels of lights and whimsical displays.
Drive-through nights are taking place on select days from November 23-January 5. Here’s the schedule:
- November 23-24
- November 29-December 1
- December 6-8
- January 3-5
Guests will continue through the display at a slow pace and remain in their vehicles at all times. The drive-through experience will take approximately 25-35 minutes.
You’ll have the option to pre-order snacks when purchasing your tickets, which will be available for pick-up when you check in. Treat and beverage options include:
- Hot cocoa with optional souvenir mug
- Popcorn
- Elephant ears
- Cotton candy
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. Take note of the specific arrival times. During walk-through nights, you must arrive within 10 minutes of your scheduled entry. Parking can take some time so plan to arrive early.
For drive-through nights, you’re asked to arrive 25 minutes before your scheduled entry. When you arrive at the zoo, you’ll join a queue to check-in curbside, then proceed to the drive-through entrance. Average wait time to enter ZooLights is 25-30 minutes.
Tickets for the walk-through nights range from $21 to $29 depending on the day and time of your visit. Tickets are more expensive on weekends and the weeks closest to Christmas. If you can, plan on attending early this holiday season.
Tickets for the drive-through nights are $65 per car.
Attendance is highest on weekends and the weeks surrounding December 25. To avoid the crowds, plan on attending early and during a week night.
If you are looking to view beautiful holiday light displays for free, check out Christmas on the Campground. You can also see holiday lights glittering off our lovely rivers during the Portland Christmas Ships Parade.
Discounted Tickets
The Oregon Zoo offers discounted ZooLights admission to Oregon and Washington individuals and families who qualify for income assistance programs.
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 ZooLights takes place at 4001 SW Canyon Road in Portland. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Oregon Zoo’s website.
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