Details
DATE November 29-December 30 Evening
TIME 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
PRICE $15 – $20
AGES All ages
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Zoo Lights: Illuminated with Life
Pick Your Date. Choose a Time. Enhance Your Experience.
For 29 years, Zoo Lights has been transforming Denver Zoo into Colorado’s WILDEST winter wonderland. And this year, we’re Illuminated with Life—from a spectrum of luminous new experiences to all kinds of unexpected holiday fun!
With more than two million lights sparkling over 80 acres, Zoo Lights is the perfect way to make special holiday memories in Denver’s most beloved community gathering place. Whether it’s a family tradition, fun with friends or date night, we invite you to light it up! Like Denver Zoo and our 3,000 wonderful animal residents, Zoo Lights is yours to explore.
PLEASE NOTE: Zoo Lights sells out every year—please book online or in advance to secure your spot. Tickets will not be available at the gate.
Santa will not be present during Zoo Lights. He will be available to meet and greet daytime visitors on December 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th.
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ZOO LIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS:
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ENHANCE YOUR ZOO LIGHTS EXPERIENCE:(see below for details)
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Supporting Sponsors:
Home Depot Pro
Vectra Bank
Underwriting Sponsors:
Sunbelt Rentals Inc.
Swire Coca-Cola
Restrictions
*Tickets must be used on the date listed on the ticket. Enter within a one-hour window starting no earlier than the time listed on the ticket. Once inside guests are welcome to stay until the event closes
*A ticket must be presented for entry into Zoo Lights. Confirmation letters and receipts will not be accepted for entry.
*If tickets are sold out online they will not be available at the door
*Daytime admission (including Denver Zoo Membership) does not include entry to Zoo Lights
*Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a person 16 or older
*For fastest entry, please print your ticket and present it at the entry gate
*No refunds, exchanges or date transfers
RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER 4D
Experience the beloved holiday classic like never before—with immersive light, sound and motion!
FESTIVAL OF LANTERNS
Stroll through a Vietnamese-inspired holiday market strung with hundreds of traditional lanterns.
NEW! FIRST LIGHT PIXEL TREE
Pure holiday magic for all ages! Don’t miss this festive light show set to your favorite seasonal songs.
Rides + Rudolph 4D: BEST VALUE!
Package up all your Denver Zoo faves with tickets for the train or carousel, PLUS our Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 4D experience—a family-friendly immersive cinema experience that delights ALL the senses.
Price: $8
Glow Package
Cozy up your Zoo Lights evening with a 12 oz. Ghirardelli cocoa or apple cider in a souvenir cup PLUS Holospex glasses that turn every point of light into a colorful dancing snowflake or penguin.
Price: $8
Zoo Lights Animal Encounter
GIRAFFE ENCOUNTER
$25 per guest | 5:00-5:30 pm
RHINO ENCOUNTER
$65 per guest | Fridays only, 5:00-5:30 pm
For the first time in Denver Zoo’s history, we have created a special low-sensory version of our Zoo Lights event for New Year’s Eve. In an effort to create a more inclusive experience for individuals with sensory processing disorders (SPD), we will be tailoring the evening to meet the needs of those who may feel overwhelmed by a typical evening at Zoo Lights.
New! Discounted rideshare tickets
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.
Visit with Santa
Free visit with Santa. Professional pictures only $10 each.
Visit Zoo Gardens Pavilion, snap a picture with Santa and enjoy holiday music, beverages, snacks and more.
December 14 | 11 am-2 pm
December 15 | 10 am-2 pm
NEW! BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
Santa needs his beauty sleep in order to sleigh the holidays—so he’s moving to the morning shift for our first-ever Breakfast with Santa! These special experiences WILL sell out, so get your tickets today!
NEW! VIP ALL-INCLUSIVE PACKAGE
Price: $45
Includes Zoo Lights admission, entry to our cozy Zoo Lights Celebration Pavillion with warming stations, one complimentary beer, wine or specialty cocktail, one complimentary sweet or savory treat, one souvenir hot beverage mug with choice of Ghirardelli hot chocolate or cider with free refills and one pair Holospex novelty glasses that turn every point of light into a colorful dancing snowflake or penguin.
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.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer © & ® or ™ The Rudolph Co., L.P. All elements under license to Character Arts, LLC. All rights reserved.
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