DC Zoo Lights 2026
Dates checked 4 Nov 2026
Washington's holiday walk through the National Zoo, with lit pathways and lantern displays, live music and hot cocoa; most animal houses are closed in the evening. Tickets are $10, but parking costs extra.
| Dates | November 20, 2026 to January 3, 2027 |
|---|---|
| Open Days | Open days within these dates not yet published |
| Hours | Monday to Saturday 5 pm to 9 pm; Sunday 5 pm to 8 pm Last entry 30 minutes before closing. Members' nights on Dec 8 and 9 and an adults-only (21+) night on Dec 16. |
| Tickets | Ticket needed. General admission $10; ages 2 and under free; adults-only night $19; parking $30 in advance or $40 on the day (2026) |
| Type | Zoo lights |
| Where | The Smithsonian's National Zoo in Woodley Park, Northwest Washington, 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008 |
| Parking | Parking is not included with admission: ZooLights parking passes are $30 in advance and $40 on the day; drivers use the main vehicle entrance at 3001 Connecticut Ave NW. |
| Transit | The zoo is a walk up Connecticut Avenue from the Woodley Park and Cleveland Park Metro stations (Red Line). |
Checked on Smithsonian's National Zoo, November 4, 2026. Buy tickets from the organizer's own site.
Where Is DC Zoo Lights?
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Questions About DC Zoo Lights
When is DC Zoo Lights open in 2026?
November 20, 2026 to January 3, 2027. Open days within these dates not yet published. Hours: Monday to Saturday 5 pm to 9 pm; Sunday 5 pm to 8 pm.
How much are tickets for DC Zoo Lights?
Ticket needed. General admission $10; ages 2 and under free; adults-only night $19; parking $30 in advance or $40 on the day (2026). Prices as published by the organizer for 2026.
Is DC Zoo Lights a drive-through?
No: it is a zoo lights event that you see on foot.
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