Tis the season to bundle up, brave the cold and enjoy ZooLights. The Oregon Zoo’s annual lights display runs from November 23, 2022 – January 5, 2023. This Portland tradition has both walk through and, on limited midweek evenings, drive through options where the zoo becomes an enchanting holiday wonderland. Oregon ZooLights are sure to brighten up the holidays!
For over 30 years ZooLights has been a highlight of the Portland holiday festivities. The 1.5 million lights decorate the zoo grounds, adorning trees and structures with many displays being animal themed, this is the zoo after all. The walk through the zoo is just over a mile so wear comfy shoes and don’t miss the train ride!
Food
In addition to the usual fare of elephant ears, cocoa and sugary treats you’ll find more substantial sandwiches and pizza as well as dining options from local venders. We were lucky enough to visit on an evening when Verde Cochina was serving their delicious PNW Mexican fare. Papas Verdes hit the spot!
Tickets
Tickets must be purchased in advance through the Oregon Zoolights website and are timed entry. Prices range from $21-$29 per person for the traditional walk through experience and $65 per car for the midweek drive through option. Discounted tickets are available for low income families as well as zoo members.
Getting to the Zoo and Parking
Parking is available at pay lots and is on a first come basis. It gets very busy so taking MAX to the Washington Park Trimet station, catching a ride on the free shuttle or being dropped off are ways to avoid the parking hassle.
Tickets do sell out in advance so make sure to check the current status of ticket availability and get more information on transportation on the ZooLights website. If you enjoy ZooLights be sure to see the annual Portland Winter Light Festival which takes place during February. Enjoy and Happy Holidays!
