Zoo Lights Events

Private After-Hours Events November—January

Looking for event venues in Denver that will delight guests of all ages? Regardless of why your flock is gathering—a corporate holiday party, client appreciation event or just to shake your tail feathers—we’re proud to be the wildest, most vibrant event venue in Denver. Our dedicated event specialists will work closely with you to create an event that exceeds your expectations while also aligning with state and local regulations regarding group gatherings. Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance offers 15% discounts for non-profit and government agencies, as well as 15% off for Denver Zoo members.

Rental packages include a specific allotment of admission tickets, with additional tickets billed post-event based on attendance.

ZOO LIGHTS AFTER HOURS EVENTS

The remainder of the year, from the Saturday, November 23 through Sunday, January 5, offers Zoo Lights After Hours Event Rentals, which take place between the hours of 5:30 PM and 9:00 PM. These seasonal after-hours events take place during Zoo Lights when we are also open to the public. In addition to your group’s private space access, full Zoo access is included for your guests to view the incredible Zoo Lights displays and indoor animal habitat buildings with other general public guests throughout the evening.

CATERING

Our event specialists treat you as the “mane” attraction and cater to your needs by offering amazing experiences, distinctive menus and a beautiful atmosphere, making every event remarkable.

EVENT DETAILS & POLICIES

Everything you need to know about hosting your event at Denver Zoo.

Zoo Lights Event Venues

Denver Zoo’s Zoo Lights after-hours event venues include both indoor and indoor/outdoor locations and are perfect for groups of all sizes. You can even rent out the entire Zoo during a Zoo Lights Preview Night! Please see below for photos and additional information.

Rental Time: 5:30 p.m.–9:00 p.m.

Animal Hospital (Schlessman Family Foundation Visitor and Education Center)

Come host your next intimate event here with us at the Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Animal Hospital in the Schlessman Family Foundation Visitor and Education Center. This venue is ideal for smaller groups looking to have a unique Denver Zoo experience of dining in our world-class veterinary hospital while looking into two of our animal treatment rooms.

  • Seated Capacity: 30
  • Standing Capacity: 45
  • Venue includes 30 admission tickets after hours.

Norgren Hall

Norgren Hall is our largest indoor facility, with large floor-to-ceiling windows boasting a spectacular view of the festive lights outside Predator Ridge and the gerenuk habitat. Two air walls within the banquet hall can be used to create smaller spaces perfect for breakout rooms. This spacious event venue is ideal for a unique corporate holiday celebration, private party, special occasion or any indoor gathering.

  • Seated Capacity: 175
  • Standing Capacity: 250
  • Venue includes 100 admission tickets after hours.

Gates Education Center Buyout

Gates Education Center is perfect for large groups wanting an indoor venue with options to use the separate studios as breakout session rooms. Located at the front of the Zoo near the Main Entrance, it’s easily accessible for guests. Venue includes rental of Norgren Hall, Grasslands and Treetops Studios, all of which are located on the 1st floor. 

  • Seated Capacity: 255
  • Standing Capacity: 300
  • Venue includes 150 admission tickets after hours.

Zoo Lights Buyouts

Rental Time: 5:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m.
Capacity: Up to 6,000

Zoo Lights Preview Night buyouts are exclusively offered after hours from November 6 through November 21 or January 6 through January 12, between 5:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m. Since Zoo Lights Preview Night buyouts are offered on dates before Zoo Lights opens to the public, these unique, seasonal buyouts allow your group a private “sneak peek” of the incredible spectacle that is Zoo Lights. Zoo Lights Preview Night buyouts include private, full zoo access to our entire 80-acre campus, including indoor animal habitat buildings for your guests to enjoy throughout the evening. Be sure to book your event far in advance, as these exclusive dates always sell out fast!