ZooLights — festival at Smithsonian's National Zoo
FestivalNov 20, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027
General admission $10; Dec. 16 adults-only night (21+) $19; member nights Dec. 8 and 9 are $0 for members. Add-ons not included: winter maze $6, festive glasses $3 or $1 with an in-park attraction, train $6, carousel $6. Parking $30 in advance or $40 day-of.
A festive holiday celebration glowing with giant illuminated animal lanterns across ocean, desert, and polar themes.
Description
Wander through illuminated animal lanterns styled across ocean, desert, grassland, rainforest, and polar themes. The holiday celebration features a winter maze, holiday trivia, carolers on December Saturdays, and live entertainment on select December nights alongside hot cocoa and seasonal food and drinks, with optional train and carousel rides available.