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. Admission gates close at 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 Zoo 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.
- The Rainforest line ends at 9:45 nightly.
Tickets
How much are L.A. Zoo Lights tickets?
L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow
Ticket Prices
Value nights
November 15–17, 20–21, and 27; December 3–5, and 11–12; January 1–2
Nonmember adults (13+) $29 and children (2–12) $18
Member adults (13+) $23 and children (2-12) $13
Value Weekends
November 22–24, and 29–30; December 1 and 6–8; January 3–5
Nonmember adults (13+) $32 and children (2–12) $20
Member adults (13+) $26 and children (2-12) $15
Holiday Pajama Weekend is Friday–Sunday, December 6–8!
Holiday Weeks
December 13–23, and 26–31
Nonmember adults (13+) $35 and children (2–12) $23
Member adults (13+) $29 and children (2-12) $18
BUY TICKETS BUY TICKETS (MEMBERS)
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.
Tickets are up to 28% 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!
Does daytime Zoo admission cover the price of L.A. Zoo Lights?
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.
Is there an age limit for this event?
L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow is for all ages. Holiday Happy Hour guests must be 21 or older with a valid ID.
Do I need to bring an ID?
A valid ID is required to purchase alcoholic beverages once inside Zoo grounds.
Do I have to purchase tickets if I’m a GLAZA member?
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.
Is there a members-only entry gate?
Yes, members are welcome to use the members-only entrance located by the Membership booth, to the left of the admission gates.
Is there a military discount?
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.
Is there a discount for AAA members?
There is no discount for AAA members.
Why am I being asked to select a time for my tickets?
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.
I don’t have a credit card. Can I still buy tickets online?
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.
Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?
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.
Can I use my ticket multiple times?
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 3, during Sensory-Inclusive Zoo Lights.
Does my ticket have an expiration date?
Yes, your ticket is only valid for the date you selected during your purchase. Check your ticket or confirmation email for the date.
What is the refund policy?
There are no refunds. This is a rain or shine event. If your plans change, you can exchange your tickets here. There is a $5 per ticket rescheduling fee, plus any difference in ticket price. Subject to ticket availability.
What happens if it rains?
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.
I am attending with a group. Do we have to print separate tickets for each of us?
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 tickets@lazoo.org or call (323) 473-4822 with your contact information, requested number of tickets, and preferred date and time. The phone line is staffed 9a-4:30p weekdays on L.A. Zoo Lights event nights.
Can I get in if the name on the registration/ticket is not mine?
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.
I missed the date on my ticket. Can I use my tickets for another day?
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 call (323) 473-4822 with your contact information, order number, and preferred date and time. The phone line is staffed 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
How do I find my order number?
Your order number can be found on the top right of your order confirmation email, sent from tickets@lazoo.org. It’s the number that starts with #100.
What should I do if I haven’t received an email with my tickets after placing my order?
A confirmation email containing electronic ticket(s) is sent automatically after a ticket order is placed. It is sent from tickets@lazoo.org. If you purchased tickets and didn’t receive your confirmation email, check your spam folder, email tickets@lazoo.org, call 323-473-4822, or visit our Box Office between 5:45 and 8:45 p.m. on event nights.
Event Details
What is there to do at L.A. Zoo Lights?
Stroll through dedicated sections of the Zoo, gaze at dazzling wildlife- and holiday-inspired light displays, and add to the magic with interactive elements while enjoying festive food and beverages and photos with Santa (for an additional fee). You’ll see dozens of light animals in settings that represent stunning habitats around the world—from an alpine forest to a tropical rainforest to a California native flower field to a coral reef. 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. Guests 21 and older can enjoy beer, wine, and spiked hot chocolate any night and cash bars on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights.
Is L.A. Zoo Lights appropriate for kids?
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.
How long does it take to experience L.A. Zoo Lights?
The L.A. Zoo Lights experience takes 60 to 90 minutes for most guests.
When will Santa be there?
Santa will be present at L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow this year on select nights only: Fridays through Sundays until Christmas, Sensory-Inclusive Night on December 3, and December 13–23. Santa photos will be available for an additional fee. Cost varies by package. See Price List Here
Do the lights cover the entire Zoo?
No, only about half of the Zoo will be open for L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow.
Will there be live animals on display?
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.
Are the lights harmful to the animals or keeping them awake?
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.
Is L.A. Zoo Lights an inside or outside event?
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.
Can I leave L.A. Zoo Lights and return later in the evening?
There is no reentry during this event except on December 3, during Sensory-Inclusive Zoo Lights.
What is Holiday Pajama Weekend?
To kick off the winter holiday season in style, guests attending L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow Friday, December 6, through Sunday, December 8, are invited to wear their most cheerful holiday pajamas. Please be sure to dress appropriately for the weather. Shoes are required.
Will the Safari Shuttle be running?
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.
Health & Safety
Are masks required?
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.
What should I do if I’m not feeling well on the day of my reservation?
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, complete this form or call 323-473-4822 with your contact information, order number, and preferred date and time. The phone line is typically staffed 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Pacific Time Monday – Friday. There are no refunds.
Accessibility
Are strollers or wheelchairs allowed?
Yes, strollers and wheelchairs are allowed.
Will strollers or wheelchair rentals be available?
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 $15 and ECV (electric scooter) is $40. 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.
Am I allowed to bring in outside food and drinks?
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.
Can I bring my dog to L.A. Zoo Lights?
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.