ZooLights at the Smithsonian's National Zoo
✓ Verified 2025-2026
Where: Smithsonian's National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, District of Columbia
When: November 21 - January 3
Hours: 5:00pm-9:00pm (per prior-season listing)
Cost: $6
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The National Zoo's after-dark event lights the grounds with environmentally friendly LEDs and dozens of glowing animal lanterns, plus live music, winter treats, and holiday shopping. Timed passes are required, live animals are not on view, and a prior season charged $6 admission with $30 on-site parking.
Best time to arrive. Sunset in Washington is around 4:47 PM in mid-December, fully dark by about 5:17 PM. A typical December night here bottoms out near 28°F, so dress for standing around outside.
Other displays nearby
There are 11 other displays within 5 miles of this one, and 30 within 15 miles. Most people make a loop of it rather than driving out for a single house.
- CityCenterDC Holiday Tree
- District Holiday Boat Parade
- Frosted at Franklin Park
- National Menorah Lighting
- Season's Greenings at the U.S. Botanic Garden
- U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree
- National Christmas Tree
- Winter Wonderfest at Nationals Park
Make a night of it. This is stop 8 on our 10-stop Washington lights loop — about 3.4 miles and 48 minutes of driving in total.