Zoo Lights FAQs
We’re here to help make your visit magical.
Accessibility
Yes, strollers and wheelchairs are allowed.
Yes, both manual and electric wheelchairs and strollers are available for rent on a first-come, first-
served basis near the front entrance of the Zoo. Manual wheelchair rental is $15 and ECV (electric
scooter) is $40. Both manual and ECV rentals require a $25 cash deposit. Stroller rental is $15 for
single and $20 for double.
If unable to wait in long lines prior to entering the Zoo, please see an L.A. Zoo Lights staff member for
assistance.
In addition to the Zoo’s general prohibited items, outside food and beverages are not allowed inside
the event, including those purchased from vendors outside of the Zoo’s front entrance. The L.A. Zoo
reserves the right to inspect bags or containers upon entry.
The Los Angeles Zoo allows service animals on its premises to provide assistance to people with
disabilities, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Under the ADA, “a service
animal is a dog that has been individually trained to assist a person with a disability.” If you plan to
bring your service animal to the Zoo, please click here to view guidelines for making the trip a safe
one for yourself, your service dog, the animals in our care, and other patrons.
Health & Safety
No, face coverings are not required. Guests can choose whether or not to wear them. Our partner
organization KultureCity has provided a video with mask tips for families and individuals within the
sensory community; view it here.
If you or a member of your party are experiencing symptoms or have tested positive for COVID-19,
please do not come to the Zoo. You may exchange your tickets for a $5 per ticket rescheduling fee,
plus any difference in ticket price, subject to ticket availability. To exchange tickets, email
events.tickets@zoo.lacity.org or call 213-787-6079 with your contact information, order number, and
preferred date and time. Our phone line is staffed daily from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with extended
hours until 7:00 p.m. on L.A. Zoo Lights event nights. There are no refunds.
Event Details
L.A. Zoo Lights is L.A.’s wildest holiday tradition. Guests immerse themselves in a dazzling world of
lights, with exciting new elements that will delight and entertain the entire family. In 2026 the event
celebrates the holidays while bringing guests on a journey through a vibrant world of plants,
pollinators, and breathtaking displays celebrating the wonders of nature past and present. Discover
larger-than-life birds, butterflies, insects, flowers, marine creatures, and Ice Age giants illuminated by
spectacular sculptural lights.
In addition to the all-new light displays, the Zoo is returning some of last year’s fan favorites including
the interactive elements, an artificial ice-skating rink, seasonal treats and cocktails, and photo-ops
through the park including Santa Claus himself (for an additional fee on select days). Guests can ride
the carousel and enjoy warming treats like churros, smores, and hot cocoa. Those 21 and older can
enjoy beer, wine, and spiked hot cocoa available every night, and cash bars Friday through Sunday.
Yes, it’s meant to be enjoyed by guests of all ages! As this is a self-guided walking experience,
consider carriers or strollers for younger children. Strollers are available for rent at the Zoo on a first-
come, first-served basis.
The L.A. Zoo Lights experience takes 60 to 90 minutes for most guests.
Santa will be present at L.A. Zoo Lights this year on select nights only: Nov 20-22, 27-29 and Dec 4-6,
8 (Sensory Inclusive Night), 11-13, 17(Pride Night), 18-23. Santa photos will be available for an
additional fee.
No flash photography will be used on Sensory Inclusive Night on December 8.
No, only about half of the Zoo will be open for L.A. Zoo Lights.
Since L.A. Zoo Lights is a special evening event, there will be no live animals on view. They will be off-
exhibit and in their night quarters.
No, the lights are primarily placed in areas separate from the animal exhibits. Our animal care staff is
involved with route planning and approves the placement of all displays. Most animals will be in their
night quarters during the event and will not be impacted. Those animals that will be exposed to some
amount of light will have at least seven full hours of darkness starting when the light displays are
turned off for the evening.
The event takes place outdoors, within Zoo grounds. There are some covered areas along the event
footpath.
As this is a rain-or-shine event, consider bringing an umbrella if rain is in the forecast. In case of
severe weather, some interactive play areas may not be operable. There are no refunds for weather.
There is no reentry during this event except on December 8, during Sensory-Inclusive Zoo Lights.
No, the shuttle will not be running during L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow. For guests who may not be
able to walk the entire route, manual and electric wheelchairs are available for rent on a first-come,
first-served basis.
L.A. Zoo Lights is located at the Los Angeles Zoo. The event will be closed on November 26
(Thanksgiving Day) and 30. December 1, 7, 14, 15, 16, 24 (Christmas Eve), 25 (Christmas Day), and
December 31 (New Year’s Eve). January 4, 5, 6, 7. Box Office is open on event days from 5:45 p.m. to
8:45 p.m.
Ticketing
L.A. Zoo Lights
Member-Only Pre-Sale Ticket Prices (September 14 – September 21)
Member adults (13+) $15 and children (2-12) $10
General Public Pre-Sale Ticket Prices (September 22 – October 15)
Adults (13+) $25 and children (2–12) $15
Children younger than two are free and don’t require a ticket. Service fee is included in the purchase
price. Rain or shine. No refunds.
Ticket Prices (Beginning October 16)
Value Weekdays
November 23-25 December 2, 3, 8-10
Non-member adults (13+) $29 and children (2–12) $19
Member adults (13+) $24 and children (2-12) $14
Value Weekends
November 20-22, December 4-6; January 2, 3, 8-10
Non-member adults (13+) $32 and children (2–12) $22
Member adults (13+) $27 and children (2-12) $17
Holiday Peak Pricing
November 27-29; December 11-13, 17-23, 26-30; January 1
Non-member adults (13+) $35 and children (2–12) $25
Member adults (13+) $30 and children (2-12) $20
Children younger than two are free and don’t require a ticket. Service fee is included in the purchase
price. Rain or shine. No refunds.
Zoo members must log in with their membership ID number to receive their discount. Not a
member? Join or renew today and get access to discounted L.A. Zoo Lights tickets, plus other
benefits!
No, L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow is a special event held after regular Zoo hours. Daytime Zoo
admission tickets are not valid for this nighttime event. L.A. Zoo Lights tickets must be purchased
separately. Daytime guests must exit the Zoo and reenter with an L.A. Zoo Lights ticket.
L.A. Zoo Lights is for all ages.
A valid ID is required to purchase alcoholic beverages once inside Zoo grounds.
Yes, Zoo members must purchase tickets to this special event, which is held after regular Zoo hours.
To buy discounted tickets online, you must sign in.
Yes, members are welcome to use the members-only entrance located by the Membership booth, to
the left of the admission gates.
Yes! Military discounts are only available at the Zoo Lights Box Office (Membership Booth). Please
present a valid military ID at the time of ticket purchase. Discounts cannot be combined with any
other offers. $3 off adult and $2 off child tickets.
There is no discount for AAA members.
Two entry times are offered to improve the guest experience. Timed tickets allow us to manage
capacity in the parking lot and inside the Zoo.
Yes, online ticket purchases can be made with a debit card that has a Visa, MasterCard, American
Express, or Discover logo. Purchases can also be made in cash at the L.A. Zoo Lights Box Office
(Membership Booth) between 5:45 and 8:45 p.m. on event nights, subject to availability.
You may show your electronic ticket on your mobile device or present your printed ticket at the gate.
Either way, please have your barcode ready to be scanned at the gate.
No, once the ticket has been scanned upon entry, any additional attempts will scan as invalid tickets.
There is no reentry once you exit the Zoo. except on December 8, during Sensory-Inclusive Zoo Lights.
Yes, your ticket is only valid for the date you selected during your purchase. Check your ticket or
confirmation email for the date.
There are no refunds. This is a rain or shine event. If your plans change, you can exchange your
tickets by emailing event.tickets@zoo.lacity.org or calling 213-787-6079 with your contact
information, order number, and preferred date and time. Our phone line is staffed daily from 11:00
a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with extended hours until 7:00 p.m. on L.A. Zoo Lights event nights. There is a $5
per ticket rescheduling fee, plus any difference in ticket price. Subject to ticket availability.
Wear a raincoat or bring an umbrella! L.A. Zoo Lights is a rain-or-shine special event. No rain checks
will be issued for this event. NOTE: The light displays pose no danger when exposed to water. In case
of severe weather, some attractions may be closed.
A ticket must be purchased for each member of your group. If all tickets were purchased at once, the
single confirmation email will provide access to all tickets. If the entire group is arriving together, one
individual may present all tickets for scanning at the gate on behalf of your group, either on a mobile
device or as printed tickets.
If you are arriving separately, please distribute a ticket to each member ahead of time. This can be
done by screenshotting each ticket and emailing or texting it to each member, or by printing and
cutting each ticket out. Be mindful not to give the same ticket to more than one person, as tickets are
unique and can only be scanned once at our gates.
To purchase tickets for groups of 15 or more, please email event.tickets@zoo.lacity.org or call 213-
787-6079 with your contact information, requested number of tickets, and preferred date and
time. Our phone line is staffed daily from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with extended hours until 7:00
p.m. on L.A. Zoo Lights event nights.
Yes, tickets can be given to friends and family as gifts. Once a ticket is redeemed, however, it cannot
be used again, regardless of how many copies are printed.
Change of plans? Exchange your tickets for a $5 per ticket rescheduling fee, plus any difference in
ticket prices. Subject to ticket availability. To exchange tickets email event.tickets@zoo.lacity.org or
call 213-787-6079 with your contact information, order number, and preferred date and time. Our
phone line is staffed daily from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with extended hours until 7:00 p.m. on L.A.
Zoo Lights event nights.
Your confirmation number can be found in the “Your Order Summary” section of your order
confirmation email, as well as in the subject line of the Order Confirmation Email [Example – Los
Angeles Zoo Order Confirmation (Order #)]. Your order confirmation will be sent from no-reply-
estore@zoo.lacity.org.
A confirmation email containing electronic ticket(s) is sent automatically after a ticket order is
placed. It is sent from no-reply-estore@zoo.lacity.org. If you purchased tickets and didn’t receive your
confirmation email, check your spam folder, email event.tickets@zoo.lacity.org, call 213-787-6079, or
visit our Box Office (Membership Booth) between 5:45 and 8:45 p.m. on event nights.
Skating Rink
Yes, admission to the skating rink requires a separate ticket purchase.
The rink operates from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tickets are sold for specific 30-minute timed-entry
slots, beginning at 6:30 p.m. The final entry slot of the evening is at 9:00 p.m. I would plan for a 10
min or so buffer between time slots some you can use a lot of the same skates from session to
session.
Tickets can be purchased online or on-site. However, because the rink has a strict capacity limit, we
highly recommend booking online in advance to guarantee your preferred time slot.
Your ticket includes rink admission and a rental pair of skates. Please note that all participants must
sign a liability waiver prior to entry. Skaters aged 17 and under must have their waiver signed by a
parent or adult guardian.
For safety reasons, only ticketed guests wearing ice skates are permitted on the rink surface. Infants
and small children who cannot wear skates or skate independently are not permitted on the ice.
No. To preserve the integrity of our specialized rink surface, guests must use the rental skates
provided on-site.
We offer youth sizes 8 through 4 and adult sizes 5 through 13.
No, additional safety gear is not provided on-site. Guests are welcome to bring their own helmets or
padding if desired.
Our rink features a state-of-the-art synthetic polymer surface designed to closely mimic the glide and
of traditional ice. However, please note that the rink does have about 7% more resistance than a real
ice rink surface and won’t be cold to the touch like a traditional rink.
No special personal equipment is needed, as the skates are provided with your admission.
We recommend wearing comfortable clothing, tall socks to prevent chafing, and gloves for added
comfort and safety.
The rink is open to all skill levels, and beginners are highly encouraged to try it out. We kindly ask all
guests to remain mindful of others learning to navigate the surface. Please note that no push-walkers
or skating aids are available. For safety reasons, infants and toddlers who cannot skate
independently are not permitted on the ice.
Strollers are prohibited on the surface of the rink. However, wheelchairs are fully permitted and
welcome.
For the safety of our guests, the skating rink will close in the event of rain or severe weather.
Make this Holiday Unforgettable
Gather your loved ones and experience the magic of Holiday Lights at the L.A. Zoo.