Illustration of a crowd looking up at a town hall lit in coloured light as snow falls (LA Zoo Lights)

LA Zoo Lights

Guests explore illuminated paths featuring larger-than-life sculptural lights of plants, pollinators, marine creatures, and Ice Age giants. Visitors can take photos at festive backdrops and a giant snow globe, ride the carousel, and skate at an artificial ice-skating rink. The experience also includes seasonal carolers on select nights and treats such as make-your-own s'mores, churros, and hot cocoa.

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Plan Your Visit

When

Tickets

Tickets start at $19. Artificial ice-skating rink admission requires a separate ticket purchase. Santa Claus photos are available for purchase for an additional fee on select days.

Hours

Box office: 5:45 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. on event days.

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Griffith Park

Food & Drink

Seasonal snacks include make-your-own s'mores, churros, and hot cocoa; guests 21 and older can buy beer, wine, and spiked hot cocoa nightly, with cash bars Friday through Sunday.

Parking

Free parking.

Accessibility

A Sensory-Inclusive Zoo Lights night is held on December 8.

Going?

Location

Los Angeles Zoo · 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027 Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families and visitors who enjoy immersive holiday lights

Vibe

Festive and whimsical

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Tips & Advice

  • Allow 60 to 90 minutes to walk the light displays, and add extra time if you plan to skate or take Santa photos.
  • Buy a separate ticket for the artificial ice-skating rink if anyone in your group wants to skate, because Zoo Lights admission does not include it.
  • Buy tickets early to save, and think about a zoo membership, since members get discounts on Zoo Lights plus food and retail concessions.
  • Go Friday through Sunday if you want the cash bars, though guests 21 and over can get beer, wine and spiked hot cocoa every night.
  • Guests with sensory needs can book Sensory-Inclusive Zoo Lights on December 8, and the community Pride Night takes place on December 17.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Sensory-Inclusive Zoo Lights on December 8.
  • Pride Night on December 17.
  • All-new light displays for 2026, themed around plants, pollinators and Ice Age giants.
  • Santa Claus photos for an extra fee on select days.
  • Seasonal carolers on select nights.

Links & Contact

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Zoo Lights for?

It's a holiday outing for the whole family. Guests 21 and over can also order beer, wine and spiked hot cocoa.

What's new this year?

There are all-new light displays about plants, pollinators and nature past and present. You'll see larger-than-life birds, butterflies, insects, flowers, marine creatures and Ice Age giants.

Is the ice rink included?

No. The artificial ice-skating rink needs a separate ticket.

What food and drinks are there?

Make-your-own s'mores, churros and hot cocoa are sold around the zoo, along with seasonal treats and cocktails. Guests 21 and over can get beer, wine and spiked hot cocoa every night, and cash bars open Friday through Sunday.

How long should we allow?

Most guests spend 60 to 90 minutes.

Browse Christmas in Los Angeles

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

Contributors & Updates

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