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ZooLights opens Friday at the National Zoo

ZooLights includes live music performances, tasty winter treats and plenty of opportunities to shop 'til you drop.

WASHINGTON — ZooLights has officially opened for the 2022 holiday season, bringing dozens of dazzling Christmas lights back to the National Zoo. And this year, the Zoo sleighed it!

The free, ticketed, event includes live music performances, tasty winter treats and several opportunities to shop 'til you drop, according to the Zoo.

Officials say environmentally friendly LED lights and dozens of glowing animal lanterns have transformed the zoo into a winter wonderland.

It's important to note that ZooLights does not feature the Zoo's animals. All indoor animal exhibits will be closed to allow animals to get a full night's rest.

This year's event requires a special entry pass from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. starting Nov. 25 to Dec. 30, that can be purchased online. The pass is separate from the normal Zoo entry pass. There will be a flat-rate parking fee of $30, and daytime parking tickets are not valid for ZooLights.

All of the ZooLights pathways will be wheelchair accessible. Wheelchairs and Electronic vehicles are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Attendees who plan to use the Metro as transportation to the ZooLights can take the Red Line to the Woodley Park-Zoo or Cleveland Park metro station. The National Zoo's entrance is located halfway between the two stops, and both are a short walk from the Zoo. 

Dates and times are listed below:

  • Week 1: Friday, Nov. 25 to Sunday, Nov. 27
  • Week 2: Friday, Dec. 2 to Sunday, Dec. 4
  • Week 3: Friday, Dec. 9 to Sunday, Dec. 11
  • Week 4 & 5: Friday, Dec. 16 to Friday, Dec. 23
  • Week 6: Monday, Dec. 26 to Friday, Dec. 30

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