New this year: Admission to ZooLights is free, but a special entry pass separate from a daily Zoo pass will be required. There is a flat-rate parking fee of $30. Daytime parking tickets are not valid for ZooLights parking.

The colorful glow of Washington, D.C.’s beloved Smithsonian’s National Zoo holiday tradition is back for 2022!
Join the thousands of visitors who make ZooLights, powered by Pepco, a part of their annual holiday tradition. A free, ticketed, event, ZooLights includes live music performances, tasty winter treats and plenty of opportunities for holiday shopping.  Environmentally friendly LED lights and dozens of glowing animal lanterns transform the Zoo into a winter wonderland! 

WEEK 1 | Nov. 25, 26, 27 | Friday to Sunday
WEEK 2 | Dec. 2, 3, 4 | Friday to Sunday
WEEK 3 | Dec. 9, 10, 11 | Friday to Sunday
WEEK 4 & 5 | Dec. 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 | Friday to Friday
WEEK 6 | Dec. 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 | Monday to Friday