L.A. Zoo Lights presented by US Bank

L.A.’s Wildest Holiday Tradition

November 17–January 7

FREE parking
Holiday magic for all ages
Seasonal treats and cash bars 
Tickets start at $18

Zoo members save up to 27% on tickets. Not a member? Join today!

Your ticket purchase supports the Zoo’s mission to save wildlife and enrich communities.

Explore an immersive landscape filled with dazzling new lantern sculptures of animals among blooming flowers, towering trees, and more, for a nature-focused holiday celebration that’s as inspiring as it is breathtaking. This year’s experience features all-new seasonal wonders, including a magical Winter Wildlands with majestic pine trees, glowing ice crystals, snow-loving animals, views of the “northern lights,” and spectacular photo spots for the ultimate holiday snaps. VIP experiences and a community nights are available.

Celebrate the season with L.A.’s not-to-be-missed holiday adventure in the heart of the city.

A group of people enjoying a display at L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow

Nightly Tickets

November 17, 2023–January 7, 2024
6–10 p.m.
Box Office is open from 5:45 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.
Closed most Mondays and Tuesdays, plus Thanksgiving Day (November 23), Christmas Eve (December 24), and Christmas Day (December 25)

Ticket Prices

Value Weeknights

November 22 and 29–30; December 6–7 and 13–14; January 1–4
Adults (13+) $29 and Children (2–12) $18

Value Weekends

November 17–19 and 24–26; December 1-3 and 8–10; January 5–7
Adults (13+) $32 and Children (2–12) $20

Holiday Weeks

December 15–23 and 26–31
Adults (13+) $35 and Children (2–12) $23

Zoo members save up to 27% on tickets. Not a member? Join today!

To inquire about tickets for groups of 15 or more, please email [email protected] or call 323-473-4822 with your contact information, requested number of tickets, and preferred date and time.

Children younger than two are free. Service fee is included in the purchase price. Rain or shine. No refunds.

A family walking and enjoying L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow

VIP Offerings

Tickets available online only.

Holiday Happy Hours

Thursday, December 7 (Tinsel & ‘Tinis)
Thursday, December 14 (Ugly Holiday Sweaters)

Adults $75 (21+)

Includes express entry to L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow and access to a private lounge from 6:30–8:30 p.m. with gourmet hors d’oeuvres, beer, wine, and a signature cocktail. Must be 21+.

Butternut Squash and Beet Tuscan Kale Salad
Tart Apple Fennel Salad
Fig and Rosemary Glazed Chicken
Balsamic Green Beans with Roasted Pearl Onions
Cranberry Ricotta Gnocchi with Brown Butter Sauce
Assorted Mini Desserts

Hosted beer, wine, signature cocktail, and non-alcoholic beverages

Maple Roasted Acorn Squash Salad
Cheese Tortellini Soup
Santa Maria Tri Tip with Spicy Chermoula
Maple Roasted Root Vegetable Medley
Lobster Ravioli with Champagne Cream Sauce
Assorted Mini Yule Log Cakes

Hosted beer, wine, signature cocktail, and non-alcoholic beverages

Family New Year’s Eve

Sunday, December 31

Adults $90 (18+) and Children (2–17) $75

Includes express entry to L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow, buffet dinner with dessert, dancing, live broadcast of the Times Square ball drop, a New Year toast with sparkling wine or apple cider at 9 p.m. Pacific Time, and more. All ages.

Garden Salad (Vegan, GF)
Bourbon and Brown Sugar Glazed Ham
Pan Seared Airline Chicken
Garlic Brown Butter Green Beans (Vegetarian, GF)
Macaroni and Cheese (Vegetarian)

Coffee, Hot Chocolate, and Desserts

Champagne and Sparkling Cider Toast

Cash Bar

Become immersed in a colorful world of nature and wildlife.

Los Angeles Magazine

L.A. Zoo Community Nights

Sensory-Inclusive Zoo Lights

Tuesday, December 5
One night only, special experience
All ages

Join us for an L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow experience designed for guests that thrive in a sensory-supportive environment. During this special evening, you can expect the same great L.A. Zoo Lights with some modifications to make it more inclusive.

This one-night-only special event includes

  • Smaller crowds due to limited tickets available for the evening
  • Quieter music volume throughout the experience
  • Sensory bags available for checkout with noise-canceling headphones (provided by Puro Sound Labs), fidget tools, verbal cue cards, and weighted lap pads (supplies limited, available on a first come, first served basis)
  • Opportunity to exit and reenter the Zoo
  • An online Social Story (coming soon) that provides a preview of what to expect while enjoying L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow

Pride Night at L.A. Zoo Lights

Thursday, January 4
All ages

Celebrate LGBTQIA+ pride at L.A. Zoo Lights. All ages welcome.

Members

In addition to saving up to 27% on nightly tickets, members can also enjoy an exclusive entrance to L.A. Zoo Lights every night plus special perks on select dates. See details below. Not a member? Join or renew today.

Member Appreciation Nights at L.A. Zoo Lights 

On select nights at L.A. Zoo Lights, current member ticket buyers will receive a limited-edition 16-ounce travel coffee mug, up to two per member household while supplies last. Mugs can be filled with hot chocolate for $3.49 at participating locations during L.A. Zoo Lights. Each membership household will receive a buy one, get one churrocoupon and up-to 2 free tickets to ride the Tom Mankiewicz Conservation Carousel while supplies last. See dates listed below. 

Sunday, 11/19 

Sunday, 11/26 

Sunday, 12/3 

Sunday, 12/10 

Monday, 1/1 

Tuesday, 1/2 

Wednesday, 1/3 

Thursday, 1/4 

Friday, 1/5 

Saturday, 1/6 

Sunday, 1/7 

Memberships are non-refundable and non-transferable.  

A colorful, charming trail that celebrates the zoo’s natural inhabitants.

Time Out

The L.A. Zoo Lights Experience

Make unforgettable holiday memories as you explore this wild wonderland of light under the stars at the beautiful L.A. Zoo.

  • Take a self-guided 60- to 90-minute stroll through a large area of the Zoo filled with wildlife-inspired lantern displays, festive photo ops, interactive experiences, and roaming live entertainment.
  • Discover all-new wonders such as the holiday-themed Winter Wildlands, the Dazzling Desertscape, magnificent scenes of native California wildlife, and much more.
  • Get interactive! Dance along with motion-sensing cactuses, play on luminous swings, enter a giant walk-in kaleidoscope, and more.
  • Warm up with hot cocoa and other tasty treats available for purchase. Guests 21 and older can enjoy beer, wine, and spiked hot chocolate.
  • Add to the holiday lightscape with glowing merchandise available for purchase.
  • Enjoy a spin on the carousel for an additional fee.
  • Park for free any night.

Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor

US Bank logo

Associate Sponsors

Amazon
Hyatt Vacation Club
Skechers
Wonka
Candy Cane Lane
Private event space at L.A. Zoo Lights

Private Events, Groups & Corporate

Private Events

The Zoo offers wildly unique private event locations and unforgettable experiences during L.A. Zoo Lights. To learn more and start planning your event, click here.

Groups

To get a special discounted rate for groups of 15 or more, email [email protected] for pricing and orders.

Corporate Nights

Companies can enjoy a great rate on L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow tickets for employees, members, friends, and family. It’s a wonderful way for your whole organization to experience the dazzling wonderment together. Email [email protected] for details.

Corporate Gifts

Share the wonder with employees, customers, prospects, and partners by giving L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow tickets as a corporate gift. Group discounts available for orders of 15 or more. Email [email protected] for pricing and orders.

That magic is now holding critter-cool court at [the] Los Angeles Zoo… where L.A. Zoo Lights is enchanting visitors nightly.

NBC Los Angeles

FAQs

Know Before You Go

  • Guests with 6 p.m. tickets may enter any time from 6 to 8:45 p.m. Guests with 7:30 p.m. tickets may enter any time from 7:30 to 8:45 p.m.
  • The Box Office at the Zoo is open from 5:45 to 8:45 p.m.
  • Be aware that regular commuter traffic around the Zoo on weeknight evenings is heaviest from 5 to 7 p.m.
  • All parking lot gates are open to enter and exit the lot.
  • Parking is also available in adjacent lots at the Autry Museum and the lot south of the main lot.
  • Lots of great food and drinks are available in the Zoo. Outside food and drinks are not permitted – including those purchased from vendors outside of the Zoo’s front entrance.
  • Winter Wildlands line ends at 9:45 p.m. nightly.

Ticketing

L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow Ticket Prices

Value Weeknights

November 22 and 29–30; December 6–7 and 13–14; January 1–4
Adults (13+) $29 and Children (2–12) $18

Value Weekends

November 1719 and 24–26; December 13 and 810; January 57
Adults (13+) $32 and Children (2–12) $20

Holiday Weeks

December 15–23 and 2631
Adults (13+) $35 and Children (2–12) $23

BUY TICKETS

Children younger than two are free. Service fee is included in the purchase price. No refunds.

Tickets are up to 27% off with GLAZA Membership. GLAZA Members and Safari Society donors must log in 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: Animals Aglow is for all ages. Holiday Happy Hour guests must be 21 or older with a valid ID.

A valid ID is required to purchase alcoholic beverages once inside Zoo grounds.

Yes, GLAZA 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 can enjoy an exclusive entrance to L.A. Zoo Lights every night. Please follow signage by the Membership Booth to the Members-Only Entrance.

Yes! Military discounts are only available at the Zoo’s box office. Please present a valid military ID at the time of ticket purchase. Discounts cannot be combined with any other offers.

Yes! AAA discounts are only available at the Zoo’s box office. Please present your current AAA membership card at the time of ticket purchase. Discounts cannot be combined with any other offers.

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 Box Office 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.

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 with 48-hour advance notice required. There is a $5 per ticket rescheduling fee, plus any difference in ticket price. Subject to ticket availability. To exchange tickets, complete this form or call 323-473-4822 with your contact information, order number, and preferred date and time. The phone line is staffed 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. Pacific Time on L.A. Zoo Lights event nights. Exchanges are not available on tickets purchased through resellers or third parties.

Wear a raincoat or bring an umbrella! L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow 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 confirmation email with a link to view, download, and/or print your ticket(s) is sent automatically after a ticket order is placed. If you purchased tickets and didn’t receive your confirmation email, check your spam folder, log in to your ticketing account, and check the My Tickets page, email [email protected], or call 323-473-4822.

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 [email protected] or call 323-473-4822 with your contact information, requested number of tickets, and preferred date and time.  The phone line is staffed 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. Pacific Time 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. 48-hour advance notice required. Subject to ticket availability. To exchange tickets, complete this form or call 323-473-4822 with your contact information, order number, and preferred date and time. The phone line is staffed 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. Pacific Time on L.A. Zoo Lights event nights. Exchanges are not available on tickets purchased through resellers or third parties.

Event Details

Stroll through dedicated sections of the Zoo, gaze at dazzling wildlife-inspired light displays, and step into optical-illusion photo ops while enjoying festive food and beverages. You’ll see dozens of light animals in settings that represent stunning habitats around the world. Along the way, don’t miss the many opportunities for spectacular selfies and family portraits, as well as sweet treats and gifts available for purchase.

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 (on a first-come, first-served basis).

The L.A. Zoo Lights experience takes 60 to 90 minutes for most guests.

Santa will not be making an appearance at this year’s event, which is a celebration of nature and winter holidays that is intended to be welcoming and enjoyable for all. L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow is a place where everyone can celebrate the holidays that are meaningful to them.

No, only about half of the Zoo will be open for L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow.

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, with no negative effects.

 

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 distributed on rainy nights.

There is no reentry during this event except on December 5, 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.

Yes, the carousel will be open during L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow from 6:30–9:30 p.m. Tickets are $3.

Health & Safety

No, you do not need to provide proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID test result to enter the Zoo.

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 prices, subject to ticket availability. To exchange tickets, complete this form or call 323-473-4822 with your contact information, order number, and preferred date and time. The phone line is staffed 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. Pacific Time on L.A. Zoo Lights event nights. Exchanges are not available on tickets purchased through resellers or third parties. There are no refunds.

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 inside the Zoo at the International Marketplace. Manual wheelchair rental is $10 and electric wheelchair rental is $30. Stroller rental is $10 for single and $14 for double.

If unable to wait in long lines or needing to rent a wheelchair prior to entering the gate, 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. GLAZA and the L.A. Zoo reserve 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.

More questions? If your question is not answered above, please email [email protected].

Contact

Before contacting us, check our FAQs to see if your question is answered there. For further assistance, contact the Box Office by email or call 323-473-4822, which is staffed 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. Pacific Time on L.A. Zoo Lights event nights. For general inquiries, please fill out and submit the form below. Please allow up to two business days for a response.

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Terms and Conditions

  • All sales are final. No refunds.
  • Should you need to reschedule your visit, there is a $5 rescheduling fee per ticket (subject to availability) plus any difference in ticket price.
  • Each ticket is good for one admission to L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow at the Los Angeles Zoo on the date and time selected. No reentry is allowed except on December 5 for Sensory-Inclusive Zoo Lights.
  • A ticket does not guarantee entrance at the exact time listed on your ticket. Event entry time may be modified due to capacity or for safety reasons.
  • Event hours are subject to change without notice. Some dates and times, such as our Happy Hour (for guests 21 years and older) and Family New Year’s Eve events, require separate admission fees and tickets.
  • The Zoo’s special event operating schedule is subject to change without notice. Facilities, exhibits, shows, and services may close temporarily due to weather, maintenance, private events, or other reasons.
  • 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.
  • Winter Wildlands line ends at 9:45 p.m. nightly.
  • Barcoded e-tickets are a revocable license. Admission is subject to compliance with all laws and facility policies. E-ticket holders assume all incidental risks and dangers while visiting the Los Angeles Zoo.
  • E-tickets are delivered via email and appear as QR codes below your order confirmation number. There are two ways to show your tickets at the door: 1) show your mobile ticket on your mobile device, or 2) present your printed ticket at the gate. (Please allow up to one hour for delivery. Your order confirmation is not your ticket.)
  • It is unlawful to reproduce e-tickets in any form. In the event of duplication, the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association reserves the right to refuse entry to both the original ticket holder and anyone holding tickets that were duplicated from the original order.
  • Items that are prohibited at L.A. Zoo Lights include outside food and drinks, large bags, backpacks, and balloons. There are no storage lockers at the Zoo.
  • No smoking or vaping on Zoo grounds.
  • To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests and for the safety of our animals and staff, all guests must abide by the Code of Conduct detailed here.
  • This event is rain or shine. No refunds.