New Year's Day

ZooLights Now Open at National Zoo

It's the most wonderful time of the zoo! It's time for ZooLights, the Smithsonian National Zoo's famous tradition of lights, music -- and, of course -- animals.

ZooLights opened Nov. 24 and runs through Jan. 1 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., except for Dec. 24, 25 and 31. Admission is free.

During ZooLights, powered by Pepco, more than 500,000 environmentally friendly LED lights transform the zoo into a winter wonderland after dark.

There are three exciting new additions to the ZooLights tradition. Glow Zone is a glow-in-the-dark play zone for children located in the Zoo’s Great Meadow. CulturalDC’s SPACE4: Mobile Art Gallery is a cutting-edge exhibit making its way around the city. Maggie Gourlay created Adaptation/Migration in the Anthropocene for ZooLights and it is located on Olmsted Walk. Lastly, GRUMP Holiday Market runs from Dec. 15-17. It is an alternative art and crafts show featuring local artisans.

Guests 21 and over can enjoy BrewLights on Nov. 30, a ticketed microbrew and craft beer event. Tickets can be purchased online and at the gate for beer samples and savory food samples from top local restaurants.

A special Military Night will be held Dec. 19. Guests who show a valid military ID will receive 15 percent off all gift shop items. Military families will also receive $7 off parking, plus 30 percent off coupon for concessions (alcohol not included).

And Friends of the National Zoo members enjoy a full week of exclusive perks at ZooLights from Dec. 3 through Dec. 10. FONZ members also can partake in Cyber Safari: Passport to Asia, a scavenger hunt that takes you all around the zoo.

Proceeds support the National Zoo and the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, including species preservation and animal care.

Click here for more information.

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