News4 has gotten a lot of questions about ZooLights and whether it’s happening after the government shut down and the National Zoo closed for weeks.
Well, the answer is: ZooLights is happening, and it’s opening on time – on Friday, Nov. 21.
“Our team has been working around the clock to make ZooLights happen,” the National Zoo’s Director of Business Operations, Nikki Mounts, said.
In a dash that sounds like it’s right out of a Hallmark movie, zoo staff hurried to make sure the 17-year tradition went on as planned.
“So, honestly, it’s the amazing team that we have. From our special events team to our IT team, to our guest services team, to our animal care teams, everyone joined in and said, ‘Nope, we’re doing this and we’re doing this on time,’” Mounts said.
Mounts said the zoo really needs community support after the shutdown, when some popular fundraising events, including Night of the Living Zoo, were called off.
“Now more than ever, coming to ZooLights is incredibly important because the money that we bring in through that helps us with our mission of conservation,” Mounts said.
General admission tickets cost $9 per person. All visitors over the age of 2 need a ticket, and it’s a good idea to buy them in advance.
One million environmentally friendly LED twinkle lights and more than 100 animal lanterns await visitors as they wind down the zoo’s main walkway, dotted with scenes of rainforests, deserts and pandas. The carousel will be running (rides cost $4), and visitors can enjoy live music on weekends.
No corners were cut in the rush to complete ZooLights, and the zoo is even elevating the experience, according to Mounts.
New this year, visitors can go through a light maze ($5) or pick up a pair of glasses that make the lights look like snowflakes ($3). Kids can ride the National Zoo Choo Choo around the Great Cats exhibit ($5).
When is ZooLights 2025?
ZooLights will run on weekends and select dates into the new year:
- Nov. 21–23
- Nov. 28–30
- Dec. 3–7
- Dec. 9–14 (including members nights)
- Dec. 17–23
- Dec. 26–30
- Jan. 2-3
The National Zoo will remain open and free to visit during regular daytime tours. Admission for ZooLights nights begins at 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, the last entry will be at 9 p.m. On Sunday, the last entry is at 8 p.m. The zoo closes 30 minutes after the entry cutoff.
ZooLights’ first adults-only date night is set for Wednesday, Dec. 17. Tickets cost $19 per person and include special after-hours access to popular exhibits, a complimentary adult beverage, seasonal treats and festive music.
Parking passes cost $30. The National Zoo is accessible by Metro’s Red Line. Pro tip: Exit at the Cleveland Park station on your way to the zoo so you can walk downhill. When you head home, continue walking south on Connecticut Avenue NW to the Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan station.
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