Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best nights to visit Zoo Lights?

There’s a bit of magic in the air every night of Zoo Lights! We anticipate selling out early for most weekend nights, as well as every night in the last two weeks of December. If your schedule allows, we recommend visiting on a weeknight in the first two weeks of December. Snowy nights may be cold, but they make for great photos and the Zoo has plenty of indoor buildings for a quick warm-up. 

May I use my tickets on any night of Zoo Lights?

No. Zoo Lights tickets are valid ONLY on the date for which you purchased your tickets. 

Why are there timed entry tickets?  

By staggering the arrival of our visitors, we hope to provide a better visitor experience. Once inside the Zoo, visitors may stay until the event closes. 

When should I buy my tickets? 

ASAP! We highly recommend purchasing tickets as far in advance as you can, as we anticipate selling out most nights of Zoo Lights. Tickets will not be available at the gate. 

If tickets are sold out online, will there be tickets available at the door?

No, there will not be tickets available for sale at the door.  

Why is there a limit on the number of people who can attend each night?  

We’ve placed a limit on attendance each evening to provide a better experience for guests by preventing extremely large crowds on any given night. 

What if I have a Denver Zoo membership—may I enter during the day and stay for Zoo Lights?  

Daytime admission, including membership, does NOT include Zoo Lights. Denver Zoo closes at 5 p.m. (gates close at 4 p.m.) and will reopen for Zoo Lights at 5:30 p.m. 

Where should I park?  

Free parking is available in our parking garage and surrounding City Park lots. However, due to the popularity of Zoo Lights, parking can become congested. We ask guests to consider alternate modes of transportation to avoid parking issues, and will be offering discounts to guests who rideshare. 

NEW Rideshare discounts? Tell me more! 

We’re glad you asked! This year, guests who rideshare (including Uber, Lyft, taxi, or bus) are eligible for discounted tickets. To take advantage of our reduced rideshare fare, simply purchase a rideshare ticket in advance. Show your bus fare stub or use your phone to present your Uber, Lyft or taxi receipt at the rideshare loading zone, and a member of our Guest Relations staff will validate your ticket. Tickets must be used on the intended date.  

How long does it take to walk around the Zoo at night? 

While every guest/visit is different, it typically takes approximately 45-­90 minutes to see the whole Zoo Lights display.  

Is Zoo Lights ADA accessible? 

Yes, but keep in mind that the paths may be icy in spots. Please use caution. Wheelchair-accessible parking is available. 

Are there wheelchairs or strollers available onsite? 

Starting at 5:30 p.m., a limited quantity of wheelchairs and strollers can be rented on a first­-come, first­-served basis. No reservations are accepted. 

What areas of Denver Zoo will be closed during Zoo Lights? 

A majority of Denver Zoo is open, but keep in mind that many animals are not visible in the dark. Animal buildings open include: Pahali Ya Simba, Pachyderms (black rhino, hippo), El Pomar Village Hall (Asian small-clawed otters, fishing cats), Clayton F. Freiheit Elephant House (Asian elephants), Giraffe House (giraffes), Tropical Discovery (fishes, reptiles, amphibians, howler monkeys). Primate Panorama (monkeys and great apes) and Bird World will be closed. 

Are pets allowed at Zoo Lights? 

No. For the safety of our guests and animals, no pets of any kind are allowed on Denver Zoo grounds.  Assistance animals are allowed, with some restrictions.  Please check in with security at the main gate if you plan on bringing a service animal into the zoo.

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