This past weekend saw the seasonal return of Zoolights! at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Washington, D.C. A beloved annual holiday tradition 15 years in the making, Zoolights! continues to charm and delight (not to mention mesmerize) families every year.
Whether it’s the massive winter wonderland setup, comprised of more than half a million dazzling environmentally friendly LED lights, or the various other activities offered on location, the popularity and appeal of Zoolights! continues to grow bigger and better with every passing year. And the 2023 season is no exception!
On evenings in which Zoolights! is presented, Guests are invited to stroll along different areas of the zoo, ignited by welcoming lantern displays showcasing different habitats. These include rainforests, deserts, grasslands, oceans, and even polar climates. Do note that none of the Zoolights! displays feature any actual real-life animals as all indoor exhibits are closed off in order to offer these beloved residents the full night’s sleep that they all deserve.
Because there is so much to take in while visiting, you may be in need of a bit of replenishment along the way. That’s why Zoolights! offers up a host of wonderful winter sweet treats as adequate nourishment. You have corny favorites like popcorn and kettle corn, holiday cookies, soft pretzels, hot chocolate, spiced cider, and so much more. As for more filling fare, you can enjoy indoor dining at Elevation Burger or check out a number of outdoor setups, such as Sbarro and the Bootheel BBQ Food Truck.
While the lighted displays are certainly entertaining enough, Zoolights! evenings are all enhanced even further by the inclusion of wonderful live musical performances taking place onsite. Entertainment will generally take place between 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on operating nights. Click here to see the entire schedule.
Zoolights! will be open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday up until December 17. Because they are closed on Christmas Eve, Week Five will run from Thursday, Dec. 21 to Saturday, December 23. Week Six (the final week) will run from December 26 through December 30.
Zoolights! is by far one of the most magical experiences to take to in all of the District of Columbia. To learn more about this event, including hours of operation, pricing, and all other general information, visit the website at www.nationalzoo.si.edu.