– ZooLights 2023 at Smithsonian’s National Zoo offers a mesmerizing display with over half a million LED lights.
– Themed lanterns showcase different habitats and the animals within them, providing educational entertainment.
– Musical performances, unique treat offerings, and holiday shopping opportunities enhance the ZooLights experience.
– This year introduces a $6 ticket fee to support the Zoo’s conservation efforts, with special free nights for Zoo members.
– Practical information on ticket purchasing, parking, and member benefits makes planning a visit to ZooLights straightforward.
As the days grow shorter and the temperatures dip, the anticipation of festive occasions begins to twinkle in our minds, much like the stars in the clear winter sky. The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute offers a captivating reason to step out into the crisp air and immerse oneself in an enchanting night-time experience. Their annual event, ZooLights, is not just any ordinary holiday display—it’s an exceptional fusion of conservation, community, and cheer.
Imagine the grounds of one of the most prestigious zoological parks in the nation transformed into a glowing tableau, where trees, paths, and even the sky shimmer with vibrant hues. ThoLights has upped the ante with over 500,000 eco-friendly LED lights. This year, you promenade through the Zoo, and a rainbow sea of luminescence surrounds you, embarking you on a nocturnal stroll. The real marvel of ZooLights is the artistry displayed through more than 130 specially crafted lanterns that usher you into a worldwide journey. From ocean depths to arid deserts and lush rainforests to frigid polar regions, you’ll encounter their representations of animals thriving in their natural habitats. While the real creatures slumber away from the public eye, their effigies stand in the limelight, sparking curiosity and wonder about the diverse life forms sharing our planet.
Crafted with meticulous detail, these lanterns are a delight to the eyes and a subtle nod to the critical work of conservationists and researchers at the Institute. Here in the glow, we are reminded of the beauty and fragility of ecosystems around the globe, inspiring each of us to consider our role in their preservation.
Moving through the luminous spectacle, you’re met with the harmonious melodies of live music performed by talented locals and school groups. The air’s festive chorus makes even the coldest night feel warmer. As the music fills the space between the twinkling lights, it’s hard not to be moved by the season’s spirit. The gastro-curious, delectable eats are scattered throughout, with treats to satisfy cravings. Imagine nibbling on freshly made s’mores, the perfect balance of gooey, chocolatey, and crunchy textures, or sampling seasonal gelato that captures the essence of winter in each scoop. Do not miss the special winter offerings for those with a hearty appetite—gumbo, jambalaya, and brisket chili, a perfect remedy to the winter’s chill.
Those looking to take home a piece of this winter magic can indulge in holiday shopping. Stores within the Zoo offer an array of gifts for animal enthusiasts and nature lovers, with the comforting knowledge that your purchases contribute to the conservation and care of the animals.
This year, the practicalities of ZooLights have adjusted slightly, introducing a nominal $6 admission fee, a first for the longstanding tradition. However, these funds flow directly into enhancing the institution, ensuring that animal residents receive the highest standard of care and that vital research continues to thrive.
When planning a visit, one is encouraged to secure tickets. This forethought promises entry and a smoother journey into the heart of the festivities. Parking, too, is easier managed with pre-purchased passes. Members of the Zoo take advantage of exclusive nights where the wonder of ZooLights pairs with access to favorite exhibits, serving as a heartfelt thanks for their ongoing support.
ZooLights is an every-weather event. Rain or shine, the lights will dazzle, and celebrations will persist, making this activity resilient to the whims of winter. For those without cars, public transportation options are as plentiful as the stars above.
Stepping into ZooLights, one is embraced by the collective cheer of fellow attendees. It’s here, in this illuminated corner of Washington, D.C., where the holiday season shines bright. Each cluster of lights, each gently glowing lantern, stands as a statement of the joy we find in shared experiences and the common thread of conservation that binds us to the natural world.
Beyond the lights, however, lies a deeper story. The ticket you hold is a key to continued discovery. The paths you walk are steps toward safeguarding species. And the moments of cheer are the shared celebration of the community’s commitment to the animal kingdom and the planet we call home.
From the flicker of a tiny light to the roar of a lion, contained within these zoo gates is the essence of both the season and the enduring mission of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. This winter, let ZooLights be an event and an inspiration—an invitation to marvel, learn, and join in the dedication to our natural world.
*****
Source Description
News release: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/news/zoolights-returns-nov-24-smithsonians-national-zoo-and-conservation-biology-institute
. . .
Washington, D.C.’s beloved family-friendly winter wonderland, ZooLights, returns to brighten the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. Holiday season now in its 15th year, ZooLights is brighter than ever and will run for 23 select nights—from Nov. 24–26, Nov. 30–Dec. 3, Dec. 7–10, Dec. 14–17, Dec. 21–23 and Dec. 26–30. ZooLights will be open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. On Sundays, ZooLights will run from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. ZooLights is generously brought to you by its lead sponsor, M&T Bank.
Visitors strolling through the Zoo can bask in the glow of more than half a million environmentally friendly LED lights. True to the unique setting of the Zoo, visitors will see 130 lanterns depicting ocean, desert, grassland, rainforest and polar habitats and the animals that call them home. Illuminations, live musical performances, delicious treat offerings, and plenty of opportunities for holiday shopping make this special event a dazzling and immersive experience for families and nature enthusiasts. Tickets go on sale Thursday, Oct. 26, to Zoo members and non-members. This year, ZooLights will have a ticket price of $6 per individual. Each attendee, including children over the, will need a ticket. Paid tickets have changed from past years when this special event was free. The ticket fee is needed to offset the significant increase in costs associated with running this event. Parking is available for pre-purchase online at $30 per vehicle. ZooLights is an extremely popular event with Washington-area families. Due to limited capacity, visitors are encouraged to plan and purchase tickets and parking passes early. Any ticket proceeds concessions and parking sales benefit animal care and conservation science at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.
All indoor animal exhibits will be closed on general admission nights to give animals a full night’s rest. Daytime visitors who want to view the Zoo’s animals can obtain a free entry pass and paid parking pass on the Zoo’s website. Per normal operating hours, the Zoo will close at 4 p.m. to all visitors. It will reopen at 5 p.m. for visitors with ZooLights tickets and parking passes.
Visitors can get further into the holiday spirit with live music performances by local artists and school groups. The Speedwell Foundation Conservation Carousel is the only paid ticketed attraction open at ZooLights pending weather (it will close if the outside temperature is below 35 degrees Fahrenheit). Visitors may purchase tickets on-site at the carousel’s entrance for $4. During this special event, visitors can warm up indoors while shopping for holiday gifts inside the Visitor Center, Panda Plaza and Great Cats stores or whining at Elevation Burger at the Mane Grill.
Special winter treats will be available, including s’mores, popcorn, kettle corn, holiday cookies, soft pretzels, and seasonal gelato. Hungry visitors can dine outdoors at Sbarro or enjoy ZooLights specials at Bootheel BBQ, including brisket chili, gumbo and jambalaya. Children can stay warm by sipping hot chocolate or spiced cider. At the same time, adults enjoy holiday beverages, including a cinnamon vanilla bean latte, warm bourbon-spiked cider, a hot cocoa cocktail at Vintage Views and mulled wine at Elevation Burger.
Smithsonian National Zoo members can reserve up to six free entry passes and one free parking pass for three exclusive Member Nights—Nov. 30, Dec. 7 and Dec. 14—from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Member Nights include special after-hours access to popular Zoo exhibits. During any night of ZooLights, members can use their standard 15% discount on in-park food and retail when they present their membership card and photo ID at checkout. Due to limited capacity, advanced reservations for Member Nights are required.
ZooLights will be held rain or shine. Only guests with a parking pass can enter the Zoo’s Connecticut Avenue entrance with their vehicle. Guests using ride-share vehicles will be dropped off and picked up at the designated ride-share zones near the Connecticut Avenue and Harvard Street entrances. Zoo staff will scan tickets at the Connecticut Avenue entrance and the lower entrance near the Kids’ Farm. Metro Bus (L1 and L2) and Metro Rail (Woodley Park-Zoo and Cleveland Park) have stops within walking distance of the Zoo’s main pedestrian entrance on Connecticut Avenue. For more information, visit the Zoo’s website.
