For over 35 years, the Oregon Zoo has welcomed visitors to walk through a winter wonderland with the annual Zoo Lights show. It features 23 displays of beautiful holiday lights all over the park and lasts from Nov. 21 to Jan. 4. You can take a ride on the zoo train through colorful lit tunnels, enjoy some elephant ears or even hop on the carousel with your children. The Zoo Lights show is an amazing way to spend time with your family during the holidays. 

This year, “Any Night” tickets are available for purchase at the door, allowing families to buy them on the night of the Zoo Lights they want to go to. In the past, tickets needed to be purchased in advance and were often sold out. “Any Night” tickets allow families to enjoy the Zoo Lights on any of the offered days, Nov. 21 through Jan. 4.

Oregon Zoo members receive 20% off tickets for regularly priced nights when the Zoo Lights are happening, while non-member prices for youth and adult tickets are $13. Nov. 21-24, Dec. 1-4 and Jan. 1, 2 and 4 are all “Value Nights” at the zoo, meaning visitors get specially discounted tickets to save money on a magical night.

There is a lot of tasty food and plenty of other things to do around the park, depending on the exhibit you attend. At the entry plaza, the Cascade Cafe offers hot cocoa and features a gift shop for purchasing souvenirs to take home. At the Polar Plaza, features include fan favorites such as elephant ears, s’mores, pizza and alcohol for visitors over 21. There are warming centers located around the park, including the Elephant Lands and Discover Plaza, for cold nights. At the Discovery Plaza, there is the Carousel and the Light Train, which takes a ride through tunnels with amazing lights and other unique animal lanterns. 

The Oregon Zoo has been an amazing place to go for families excited for the holidays. While the animal enclosures are closed and you won’t be able to see them, you can see the zoo in a whole new light, bringing joy to Portlanders for many years to come.