Archives: Events

An ALL-NEW Immersive Lantern Experience

Glowing Wild is an all-new, immersive lantern experience lighting up DZCA this spring. This brilliant and enthralling event features 60 unique scenes made up of over 145 lanterns across our campus. These beautiful, gleaming displays feature flora and fauna from across the world—with interactive surprises all along the way!  

Join us for our latest, evening-only event and wander through vibrant, larger-than-life lantern displays while celebrating wildlife and conservation in a whole new light! Immerse yourself in the beauty of Glowing Wild and create unforgettable memories at DZCA. 

DATES + TIMES

March 13–April 2
April 4–6
April 10–13
April 17–20
April 24–26
May 2–4

6:30–9:30 p.m.

Produced by:

Join our email list to get notified when tickets go on sale!

Adult Night (Ages 21+) 

April 3, 6:30–9:30 p.m.
May 1, 6:30–9:30 p.m.

$30 with drink included

More details coming soon! 

Tickets on sale: Members February 12, General Public February 19

Sensory-Friendly Night 

April 13, 6:30–9:30 p.m.

Join us for an inclusive evening for guests living with sensory processing disorders!

Tickets on sale: Members February 12, General Public February 19

Adults + Seniors: $20
Youth: $15
Youth 2 and Under: Free 

Run to Raise Funds for DZCA

Exercise for you—enrichment for animals!

Join Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance at the 2025 Colfax Marathon and run for a cause! Every contribution will help support animal enrichment, helping ensure our animals stay active and healthy. No matter which race you choose, your participation makes a difference—and as a thank-you for your commitment, you can earn exciting prizes through your fundraising efforts! The more runners we have, the more support we can provide for the animals in our care.

How to Run for DZCA

1. Visit the Colfax Marathon website
   Select Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance as your Charity Partner and follow the prompts. See Registration Process
2. Any race counts!
   Choose any race—5k, 10-Miler, Half or Full Marathon—and make a difference. Already registered? You can still designate DZCA as your charity. Need help? Email support@denverzoo.org.
3. Get wild swag
   Fundraise for Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance or make a direct donation to earn exclusive swag and help our animals thrive!

Get Started

How to Fundraise for DZCA

1. Set up your fundraiser
   Use any platform you like! We recommend Community First Foundation.
2. Spread the word
   Share your fundraiser with friends, family, and colleagues to help support Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance and enrich the lives of our animals!

View Instructions

Make a Direct Donation

Want to support Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance and earn race-day swag? You can now donate any amount directly to support the Zoo’s mission! But if you give $500 upfront, you’ll receive a race bib plus exciting prize inclusions. Your donation helps provide world-class care for 2,500+ animals and supports our critical conservation efforts here in Colorado and across the globe!

Donate Now

FUNDRAISING INCENTIVES

Please note: Images of prizes, including shirts and behind-the-scenes experiences, are for illustrative purposes only. Actual prizes may vary in design, style, or availability.
Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance reserves the right to substitute any prize with a comparable alternative based on availability.

Adult Night 

Enjoy a night out at Zoo Lights without the kids! Whether you’re going for a date or gathering with friends, Adult Night is just for kids at heart, ages 21 and up. Tickets include one drink ticket and a whole bunch of holiday fun (just without the little ones!)

In partnership with:

Zoo Lights

Sensory-Friendly Night

Join us for an inclusive evening for guests living with sensory processing disorders! Enjoy a variety of accommodations including reduced crowds, low-volume music, quiet rooms and more, just for those who may feel overwhelmed by typical light experiences.

Sponsored By:

With 80 acres boasting over three million lights, we’re still the one making spirits bright. We’re still your fave for family fun. We’re still the place where tradition stands tall, where romance runs wild—and where our sparkling features spark your brilliant smiles!

November 23–January 5*
Sunday–Thursday 5:00–8:00 p.m.
Friday–Saturday 5:00–9:00 p.m.
Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas

*Select nights: open until 10:00 p.m.
December 22, 23, 24, 26, 29, and 30

Presented By:

Sponsored By:

Make Your Experience Extra Bright
With Unique Enhancements JUST for Zoo Lights! 

Now is your chance to make this one-of-a-kind holiday experience better than ever! Save when you pre-order Zoo Lights treats online, including snacks and beverages, ONLY available during Zoo Lights.

Winter Warmer
Souvenir Cup 

New year, new souvenir. Your choice of hot cocoa or cider + discounted refills. 

$9.99 On Site
$8.99 Online 

Buy Now

Sweet Treats
Package 

Includes a Souvenir Cup of hot cocoa or cider and your choice of a sweet treat.

Up to $19.97 On Site
$15.99 Online 

Buy Now

Sweet ‘n’ Salty
Package 

Includes a Souvenir Cup of hot cocoa or cider and your choice of popcorn.

Up to $17.98 On Site 
$14.99 Online 

Buy Now

Beer Tour
Package 

Includes a souvenir beer cup with your choice of beer and a soft pretzel.  

$19.99 Online

Buy Now

Adopt an Animal  

Bring home a snuggly new friend for the holidays and support our conservation efforts worldwide.

Capybara

Capy Holidays! Adopt your very own, plush “guinea big” or give the gift of snuggles while supporting DZCA.

Buy Now

Hippopotamus

Tiny hippos are all the rage these days! Surprise the pachyderm lovers in your life with a plush pal for the holidays.

Buy Now

Join us for an inclusive evening for guests living with sensory processing disorders! Enjoy a variety of accommodations including reduced crowds, low-volume music, quiet rooms and more.

Don’t miss our most popular Adult Night of the year: Monster Masquerade! Celebrate the Halloween season with creepy-crawly Animal Ambassadors, trivia, cool character photo ops, a costume contest and a live DJ. Get your tail down here!

In partnership with the CO Lottery

Boo at the Zoo

BACK AND BETTER THAN EVER!

 This beloved trick-or-treating experience is back and better than ever! This timed, ticketed event is designed to minimize crowds and maximize fun. Enjoy mysterious cryptid creatures, candy stations, seasonal snacks and maximized Halloween fun for little ones and everyone. With something magical around every corner, it’s the best place in town to trick-or-treat!

In partnership with:

Pricing

Recent Cryptids + Creatures Spotted on Campus 

You never know what you’ll see lurking about during Boo at the Zoo—especially after dark. Stay vigilant and don’t let your eyes deceive you! You might even see all of our elusive and mysterious cryptids… 

Daytime Wonders, All October

Included with daytime admission, Wild Fall brings the spirit of the “falloween” season to life! With creepy-crawly Animal Ambassadors, pumpkin carving and mysterious creatures like Bigfoot walking among us, it’s fall fun for all ages.

In partnership with

Join us in celebrating Colorado at Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance! From July 26 to August 4, we’re excited to offer fantastic deals as part of Celebrate Colorado week.