Oregon Zoo

The Oregon Zoo is proud to offer FREE admission on Veterans Day for military members, veterans and their families. Complimentary admission includes up to three tickets per active military personnel/veteran (four tickets total). Families of deployed military personnel will also be given free admission.

To receive free admission on November 11, visitors must reserve tickets in advance online (scroll to bottom after selecting entry time) and, upon entry, present a military or veteran organization ID, discharge papers, or other official military identification. Families of deployed military personnel must also show an active duty ID.

The Oregon Zoo thanks you for your service.

Time: 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Sensory-Friendly night allows guests with different sensory processing needs and their families to enjoy the wonder of ZooLights. Guests can pause in available cool-down spaces, music is quieter and participation is limited to minimize crowds.

Bags equipped with noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses, fidget tools, verbal cue cards and weighted lap pads are available to any guests with sensory needs. Ask staff at the zoo entrance to check out a sensory kit for free. Before attending, download the free KultureCity app to learn about available resources and how to access them and view a social story to prepare for your trip.

Every year, ZooLights dazzles visitors of all ages with wildlife-inspired light displays and a whole lot of seasonal fun. It’s the ideal place to gather friends and family, snap photos and make lasting memories. Looking for the perfect holiday date night? Bring that special person in your life to ZooLights.

See the zoo in a whole new light!Hop on the zoo train and see dozens of life-size animal lanterns along the route. Walk through vibrant tunnels of glittering lights and take in the glowing festive atmosphere.

Enjoy delicious treats like Elephant ears, hot chocolate, popcorn and s’mores. Or raise a toast with beer, wine and a range of non-alcoholic options. It’s all available at ZooLights!

This year, making ZooLights part of your busy holiday season has never been easier. ZooLights Any Night tickets can be purchased in advance and used on any night from November 20 to December 31, 2026, making them an ideal gift.

Please note: Most animals are not on view during ZooLights.

ZooLights opens nightly at 4:30 p.m.

November 13 and 14 – BrewLights
November 15 – Member Preview Night
November 16 – Sensory Friendly Night
January 1 and 2 – 21+ Only Nights

ZooLights will be closed Nov. 17-19 and 24-26, as well as Dec. 25.

More 2026 event details coming soon!

Adult ticket price range: $13 to $35
Youth ticket price range: $13 to $30

Book a private Snow Globe experience!

Members receive 20% off regularly priced tickets. No additional discounts on Value Nights.

Income-assistance discount information

Visit our help center for answers to frequently asked questions.

Your ZooLights Ticket is your “ticket to ride” TriMet to and from the Oregon Zoo on your admission date. Please have your digital tickets accessible on your phone (or printed) to show TriMet operators or fare inspectors. Your ticket is valid on all TriMet services (bus, MAX, WES and LIFT) and Portland Streetcar but is not valid on C-TRAN. Valid only for ZooLights through January 3, 2027.

Save time and money: Park for free at one of TriMet’s Park & Ride locations, such as the Sunset Transit Center, and ride the MAX one stop east to get to ZooLights!

Book a private event space to hold your holiday party during ZooLights. With magical light displays, a dedicated catering staff, and a focus on sustainable Northwest cuisine, ZooLights is an unforgettable location for your company party, holiday celebrations and more. Learn more

For more information, please submit an inquiry form.

Every ZooLights purchase helps the Oregon Zoo protect endangered species at home and around the world. Learn more

Fully furnished with charming holiday décor, our heated Snow Globes offer a relaxing respite for friends, families or a romantic date.

Each 60-minute session includes accommodations for up to six guests:

• Comfy seating
• A private fire pit
• Hot cocoa in an exclusive ZooLights souvenir cup
• S’mores
• ZooLights fast-pass train tickets that allow you and your guests to skip the line

Cost: $300

Beer, wine and donuts are also available to purchase.

Light up the night at adults only ZooLights! Experience a special adults-only night at ZooLights! Why should kids have all the fun? The 21+ Only nights offers adults a chance to take in all the wonder and cheer of ZooLights in a more relaxed setting. Take TriMet to ZooLights on us! Your ZooLights Ticket is your “ticket to ride” TriMet to and from the Oregon Zoo on your admission date. Please have your digital tickets accessible on your phone (or printed) to show TriMet operators or fare inspectors. Your ticket is valid on all TriMet services (bus, MAX, WES and LIFT) and Portland Streetcar but is not valid on C-TRAN. Valid only for ZooLights through January 3, 2027.

Save time and money: Park for free at one of TriMet’s Park & Ride locations, such as the Sunset Transit Center, and ride the MAX one stop east to get to ZooLights! — 29

Light up the night at adults only ZooLights! Experience a special adults-only night at ZooLights! Why should kids have all the fun? The 21+ Only nights offers adults a chance to take in all the wonder and cheer of ZooLights in a more relaxed setting. Take TriMet to ZooLights on us! Your ZooLights Ticket is your “ticket to ride” TriMet to and from the Oregon Zoo on your admission date. Please have your digital tickets accessible on your phone (or printed) to show TriMet operators or fare inspectors. Your ticket is valid on all TriMet services (bus, MAX, WES and LIFT) and Portland Streetcar but is not valid on C-TRAN. Valid only for ZooLights through January 3, 2027.

Save time and money: Park for free at one of TriMet’s Park & Ride locations, such as the Sunset Transit Center, and ride the MAX one stop east to get to ZooLights! — 29