{"id":2391,"date":"2026-11-09T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-11-09T17:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/afterschoolsearch.com\/parent-resources\/?p=2391"},"modified":"2026-11-12T17:08:48","modified_gmt":"2026-11-13T01:08:48","slug":"la-zoo-lights-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/afterschoolsearch.com\/parent-resources\/la-zoo-lights-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"LA Zoo Lights 2026: Dates, Tickets and Tips for Parents"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"last-updated\">Last updated: November 9, 2026 \u00b7 By Heather Shorr<\/p>\n<p class=\"dek\">Everything parents need for LA Zoo Lights 2026 at the Los Angeles Zoo: dates, closed nights, entry times, ticket tips, parking, what&#8217;s new this year and how to make it work with little kids.<\/p>\n<p>LA Zoo Lights is one of those holiday outings that works for almost every age in our house. It is a self-guided evening walk through the Los Angeles Zoo in Griffith Park, lit up with giant glowing lanterns and light installations, and it only takes an hour or so. For Valley families like us, it is a quick hop over the hill, which makes it an easy weeknight treat in December.<\/p>\n<p>This guide covers what you actually need before you buy tickets: which nights it runs, which nights it is closed, how the timed entry works, what parking looks like, and the small things (strollers, snacks, bag rules) that make the night go smoother with kids. Details were checked in November 2026; always confirm on the official site before you go.<\/p>\n<p>If you are building out a whole season of holiday plans, our roundup of <a href=\"\/parent-resources\/holiday-lights-events-kids-los-angeles\/\">holiday lights and holiday events for kids in Los Angeles<\/a> has more light shows across the county.<\/p>\n<div class=\"quick-picks\">\n<p class=\"quick-picks-title\">Quick Picks<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Best nights to go:<\/strong> <a href=\"#best-nights\">Early-season weeknights<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Best way to save:<\/strong> <a href=\"#tickets\">Buy early or as a member<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Best for sensory-sensitive kids:<\/strong> <a href=\"#accessibility\">Sensory-Inclusive night, December 8<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Best stroller strategy:<\/strong> <a href=\"#strollers\">Bring your own, pack light<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Best add-on nearby:<\/strong> <a href=\"#nearby\">Griffith Park holiday trains<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h2>LA Zoo Lights 2026 at a Glance<\/h2>\n<div class=\"asr-table-wrap\">\n<table class=\"asr-compare\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Detail<\/th>\n<th>Info<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Dates<\/td>\n<td>November 20, 2026 to January 10, 2027, select evenings<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Closed nights<\/td>\n<td>Nov 26 and 30; Dec 1, 7, 14, 15, 16, 24, 25 and 31; Jan 4 to 7<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Box office hours<\/td>\n<td>5:45 to 8:45 p.m. on event nights<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Tickets<\/td>\n<td>Starting around $19; members get discounts; buying early saves<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Parking<\/td>\n<td>Free<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Time needed<\/td>\n<td>About 60 to 90 minutes for most families<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>2026 theme<\/td>\n<td>&#8220;A Season of Wonder&#8221;: plants, pollinators and nature past and present<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Special nights<\/td>\n<td>Sensory-Inclusive Zoo Lights Dec 8; Pride Night Dec 17<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Address<\/td>\n<td>Los Angeles Zoo, 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"dates\">Dates and Closed Nights for 2026<\/h2>\n<p class=\"pick-label\">Best for planning around school and holiday travel<\/p>\n<p>L.A. Zoo Lights runs on select evenings from Friday, November 20, 2026 through Sunday, January 10, 2027. It does not run every night, so check the calendar before you promise anyone a trip.<\/p>\n<p>The zoo lists these closed nights for the 2026 season:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>November:<\/strong> 26 (Thanksgiving) and 30<\/li>\n<li><strong>December:<\/strong> 1, 7, 14, 15, 16, 24 (Christmas Eve), 25 (Christmas Day) and 31 (New Year&#8217;s Eve)<\/li>\n<li><strong>January:<\/strong> 4, 5, 6 and 7<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>That means the event is open the week between Christmas and New Year&#8217;s Eve (except the 31st itself), which is handy if your kids are home from school and you need an evening plan. It also means the first full week of January is mostly dark, with the final weekend of January 8 to 10 as your last chance.<\/p>\n<p class=\"tip\"><strong>Our parent tip:<\/strong> If you are planning around winter break camps or holiday travel, lock in your Zoo Lights night first. It is easier to fit a camp week around a ticket than the other way around.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"tickets\">Ticket Prices and How to Save<\/h2>\n<p class=\"pick-label\">Best way to save: buy early or as a member<\/p>\n<p>The zoo&#8217;s official Zoo Lights page says tickets start at about $19, and it promotes a &#8220;Buy Early and Save&#8221; option, so prices generally go up as the season fills in. Early coverage of the 2026 announcement reported advance prices of about $25 for adults and $15 for kids ages 2 to 12, with zoo members paying about $15 for adults and $10 for kids, and children under 2 free. Treat those as a guide only. Prices vary by date and change, so check the ticket page for your exact night.<\/p>\n<p>For reference, last season (2025) general admission started around $29 for adults 13 and up and $19 for kids 2 to 12, with members getting $5 off.<\/p>\n<p>A few ticket rules worth knowing:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Members still need tickets.<\/strong> L.A. Zoo membership gets you a discount, not free entry. You need to sign in online to see member pricing.<\/li>\n<li><strong>All sales are final.<\/strong> Tickets are not refundable. Last season the zoo allowed date changes for about $5 per ticket plus any price difference, subject to availability.<\/li>\n<li><strong>It is rain or shine.<\/strong> There are no rain checks, so check the forecast before you buy a far-out date.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Extras cost extra.<\/strong> The ice skating rink needs a separate ticket, and Santa photos are an added fee on select days.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Military discounts<\/strong> were offered at the box office only last season.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Where:<\/strong> Online through the zoo&#8217;s tickets page, or at the box office on event nights<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cost:<\/strong> Starting around $19; varies by date<\/li>\n<li><strong>Website:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/lazoo.org\/plan-your-visit\/special-experiences\/zoolights\/\">lazoo.org<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"tip\"><strong>Our parent tip:<\/strong> If you already go to the zoo a few times a year, run the numbers on a membership before buying Zoo Lights tickets. The member discount on a family of four can cover a good chunk of the cost, and members also get discounts on food and retail.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"hours-entry\">Hours and Entry Times<\/h2>\n<p class=\"pick-label\">Best for avoiding a meltdown in line<\/p>\n<p>On event nights, the box office is open from 5:45 to 8:45 p.m. Tickets are sold with an entry time. Last season&#8217;s FAQ explained it this way: a 6 p.m. ticket let you enter any time from 6 to 8:45 p.m., and a 7:30 p.m. ticket let you enter from 7:30 to 8:45 p.m. Admission gates closed at 8:45 p.m., and attraction lines inside ended at 9:45 p.m.<\/p>\n<p>The zoo&#8217;s terms also note that an entry time on your ticket does not guarantee entry at that exact minute, since times can shift for capacity or safety. In practice, that means build in a little buffer.<\/p>\n<p>Once you leave, you cannot come back in that night. The one exception last year was the Sensory-Inclusive night, which allowed re-entry.<\/p>\n<p class=\"tip\"><strong>Our parent tip:<\/strong> With preschoolers, the earliest entry slot is usually the winner. Like most 4 year olds, Ford is a lot more fun at 6 p.m. than at 8:30. Eat an early dinner, walk in at opening and you are home before bedtime falls apart.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"parking\">Parking and Getting There<\/h2>\n<p class=\"pick-label\">Best for a stress-free arrival<\/p>\n<p>Parking at the zoo is free for Zoo Lights. The zoo is at 5333 Zoo Drive inside Griffith Park. Last season the zoo opened overflow parking at the Autry Museum lot and at the lot south of the main zoo lot on busy nights.<\/p>\n<p>The zoo&#8217;s FAQ flags that weeknight commuter traffic is heaviest from about 5 to 7 p.m., which lines up right with the first entry slot. From the Valley, give yourself extra time on the 134 or the 5, and from the Westside or South Bay, plan for a slow crawl at rush hour.<\/p>\n<p class=\"tip\"><strong>Our parent tip:<\/strong> If you are coming from far away on a weeknight, a 7:30 p.m. entry time can be calmer than fighting traffic for a 6 p.m. slot. On weekends, the earlier slot is easier.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"whats-new\">What&#8217;s in Zoo Lights This Year<\/h2>\n<p class=\"pick-label\">Best for kids who love animals and bugs<\/p>\n<p>The 2026 edition is called &#8220;A Season of Wonder,&#8221; and the theme leans into plants, pollinators and nature past and present. The zoo describes all-new illuminated paths and oversized light installations of birds, butterflies, insects, flowers and marine creatures, plus a section of glowing Ice Age giants. For a kid in a dinosaur-and-mammoth phase, that last part is likely to be the highlight.<\/p>\n<p>Beyond the lantern walk, here is what is on site this season:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Carousel:<\/strong> The zoo&#8217;s carousel runs during the event.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Ice skating rink:<\/strong> An artificial rink, with a separate ticket.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Photo spots:<\/strong> Festive backdrops and a giant snow globe.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Santa:<\/strong> Santa photos on select days, for an added fee.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Carolers:<\/strong> Seasonal carolers on select nights.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Returning interactive pieces:<\/strong> The zoo says some favorite interactive elements are back.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Keep in mind this is a lights event, not a regular zoo day. You walk select zoo paths at night and the focus is on the light displays rather than seeing animals.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"strollers\">Strollers, Carriers and What to Bring<\/h2>\n<p class=\"pick-label\">Best stroller strategy: bring your own and pack light<\/p>\n<p>Strollers and wheelchairs are allowed. Last season, the zoo rented strollers on a first-come, first-served basis at the International Marketplace (about $15 for a single and $20 for a double). The zoo&#8217;s FAQ recommends carriers or strollers for young children, and we agree. The walk takes most families 60 to 90 minutes, and small legs give out.<\/p>\n<p>Two rules catch parents off guard:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>No large bags, backpacks or balloons.<\/strong> The zoo&#8217;s terms list these as prohibited items, and bags may be checked. A small crossbody or the stroller basket is the way to go.<\/li>\n<li><strong>No outside food or drinks.<\/strong> That includes things bought from vendors outside the front gate.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The Safari Shuttle did not run during Zoo Lights last season, so plan to walk the whole route.<\/p>\n<p>What we would pack: layers, a rain jacket if the forecast is iffy and a charged phone for photos.<\/p>\n<p class=\"tip\"><strong>Our parent tip:<\/strong> Bring a stroller even if your 4 or 5 year old &#8220;doesn&#8217;t use one anymore.&#8221; It doubles as a coat rack, and it saves you from carrying a sleepy kid back up to the gate at 8:30 p.m.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"best-ages\">Best Ages for Zoo Lights<\/h2>\n<p class=\"pick-label\">Best for ages 2 to 10<\/p>\n<p>Zoo Lights is an all-ages event, and it is one of the few holiday outings that really does work for toddlers through elementary schoolers. Babies in a carrier tend to enjoy the colors and music. Toddlers love the big animal shapes and the carousel. Kids 6 to 10 get the most out of the interactive pieces, the skating rink and the Ice Age section.<\/p>\n<p>Tweens may find it a little short, so pairing it with skating or a Griffith Park train ride can make the night feel bigger for older siblings.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"best-nights\">Best Nights to Avoid Crowds<\/h2>\n<p class=\"pick-label\">Best nights to go: early-season weeknights<\/p>\n<p>The zoo does not publish crowd calendars, so this is general parent logic rather than an official rule. The first two weeks (late November and early December) tend to be the easiest, before school lets out and before relatives arrive in town. Weeknights are usually calmer than Friday and Saturday. The stretch between Christmas and New Year&#8217;s, when every family is looking for something to do, is likely to be the busiest.<\/p>\n<p>If you want the quietest possible visit, the Sensory-Inclusive night on December 8 is designed around smaller crowds.<\/p>\n<p class=\"tip\"><strong>Our parent tip:<\/strong> Buy a weeknight in the first half of December, take the earliest entry slot, and you will get the best mix of lower prices, easier parking and a less crowded walk.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"food\">Food and Drinks<\/h2>\n<p class=\"pick-label\">Best treat: make-your-own s&#8217;mores<\/p>\n<p>Food and drinks are sold inside, and outside food is not allowed. The zoo lists make-your-own s&#8217;mores, churros, hot cocoa and other seasonal snacks and sweets around the route. Adults 21 and up can get beer, wine and spiked hot cocoa every night, with cash bars running Friday through Sunday. Bring ID if you plan to order.<\/p>\n<p>Since snacks inside are mostly treats, we suggest eating a real dinner before you go.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"accessibility\">Accessibility and the Sensory-Inclusive Night<\/h2>\n<p class=\"pick-label\">Best for sensory-sensitive kids: December 8<\/p>\n<p>Wheelchairs are welcome, and last season the zoo rented manual wheelchairs (about $15) and electric scooters (about $40), each with a $25 cash deposit, on a first-come, first-served basis.<\/p>\n<p>For 2026, Sensory-Inclusive Zoo Lights is on Tuesday, December 8. Last year&#8217;s version offered smaller crowds, quieter music, sensory bags (first come, first served) and the option to leave and re-enter. Check the zoo&#8217;s page for this year&#8217;s specifics.<\/p>\n<p class=\"tip\"><strong>Our parent tip:<\/strong> If your child does better with less noise and fewer people, put December 8 on the calendar now and buy early, since there is only one sensory night all season. Our guide to <a href=\"\/parent-resources\/things-to-do-with-autistic-kids-los-angeles\/\">things to do in Los Angeles with autistic kids<\/a> has more sensory-friendly outings.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"nearby\">Nearby Holiday Add-Ons in Griffith Park<\/h2>\n<p class=\"pick-label\">Best add-on nearby: a holiday train ride<\/p>\n<p>If you want to make a bigger night of it, Griffith Park has two train-themed holiday options close to the zoo.<\/p>\n<p><strong>North Pole Railway at Travel Town:<\/strong> New for 2026, this holiday experience at Travel Town runs on select nights from November 27 through December 24, closed Mondays except December 21. It is produced by Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group and includes a train ride into a winter wonderland, Santa sightings, s&#8217;mores pits and themed food for purchase. Ticket prices had not been widely published when we checked, so look at the event website for current details.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Griffith Park Train Rides Holiday Light Festival:<\/strong> The little train at 4730 Crystal Springs Drive runs a short evening holiday lights ride. Last season it ran from November 28, 2025 to January 11, 2026, with general tickets around $8, priority entry around $14 and babies 18 months and under free. We had not seen 2026 dates confirmed at the time of writing, so check before you go.<\/p>\n<p>For more ideas across the city, see our <a href=\"\/parent-resources\/christmas-events-los-angeles-kids\/\">Christmas events in Los Angeles for kids<\/a> guide.<\/p>\n<h2>How to Plan LA Zoo Lights With Kids<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Pick your night early.<\/strong> Check the closed nights, then choose a weeknight in late November or early December for smaller crowds.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Buy online in advance.<\/strong> Early tickets are cheaper, and prices climb as dates fill.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Take the earliest slot with little kids.<\/strong> Enter close to 6 p.m. and you can be done by about 7:30.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Eat before you go.<\/strong> Inside food is mostly treats, and outside food is not allowed.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Leave the backpack at home.<\/strong> Large bags and backpacks are not allowed. Use a small bag or the stroller basket.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Dress in layers.<\/strong> It is an outdoor night walk in Griffith Park, and it gets cold.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Budget for extras.<\/strong> Skating and Santa photos cost more, and the treats add up.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Bathroom stop at the start.<\/strong> There is no re-entry, so handle it before you head down the path.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"faq\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<h3>When is LA Zoo Lights 2026?<\/h3>\n<p>LA Zoo Lights runs on select evenings from November 20, 2026 to January 10, 2027. It is closed November 26 and 30; December 1, 7, 14, 15, 16, 24, 25 and 31; and January 4 to 7.<\/p>\n<h3>How much are LA Zoo Lights tickets?<\/h3>\n<p>The zoo says tickets start at about $19, with discounts for members and for buying early. Early reports on the 2026 season listed advance prices of about $25 for adults and $15 for kids 2 to 12, with under-2s free. Prices change by date, so check the official ticket page.<\/p>\n<h3>How long does it take to walk through Zoo Lights Los Angeles?<\/h3>\n<p>Most guests spend about 60 to 90 minutes. Add time if you plan to skate, ride the carousel or wait for Santa photos.<\/p>\n<h3>Is parking free at LA Zoo Lights?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes. Parking is free. On busy nights the zoo has used overflow parking at the Autry Museum lot and a lot south of the main zoo lot.<\/p>\n<h3>Can you bring a stroller to LA Zoo Lights?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes. Strollers and wheelchairs are allowed, and rentals have been available on a first-come, first-served basis. Large bags, backpacks and balloons are not allowed, so pack light.<\/p>\n<p class=\"disclaimer\">Dates, prices and details were checked in November 2026 and can change. Always confirm directly with the Los Angeles Zoo before you go.<\/p>\n<div class=\"related-guides\">\n<p class=\"related-title\">Keep Exploring<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"\/parent-resources\/holiday-lights-events-kids-los-angeles\/\">Best Holiday Lights and Holiday Events for Kids in Los Angeles (2026)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/parent-resources\/things-to-do-with-kids-los-angeles\/\">Things to Do in Los Angeles with Kids: 50+ Fun Ideas for Families<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/parent-resources\/best-parks-for-kids-los-angeles\/\">The 10 Best Parks in Los Angeles for Kids<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"asr-signup\">\n<p class=\"asr-signup-title\">AfterschoolSearch is launching soon in Los Angeles County<\/p>\n<p>Get early access to the easiest way to find kids&#8217; activities, sports leagues, classes, camps and events near you. No spam, just launch news and parent guides like this one.<\/p>\n<form action=\"https:\/\/afterschoolsearch.com\/subscribe.php\" method=\"post\"><input name=\"email\" required=\"\" type=\"email\" placeholder=\"Enter your email address\" aria-label=\"Email address\" \/><br \/>\n<input name=\"newsletter\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"yes\" \/><br \/>\n<input name=\"source\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"christmas-events-los-angeles-kids\" \/><br \/>\n<span style=\"position: absolute; left: -9999px;\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><input tabindex=\"-1\" autocomplete=\"off\" name=\"website\" type=\"text\" \/><\/span><br \/>\n<button type=\"submit\">Get Early Access \u2192<\/button><\/form>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author-box\"><img class=\"author-photo\" src=\"https:\/\/afterschoolsearch.com\/parent-resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/heather-shorr.jpg\" alt=\"Heather Shorr\" width=\"88\" height=\"88\" loading=\"lazy\"><div class=\"author-text\"><p class=\"author-name\">About the author: Heather Shorr<\/p>\n<p>Heather is Ford&#8217;s mom, born and raised in Calabasas and now living in Sherman Oaks. From preschool tours to speech lessons, music classes and sports leagues, she&#8217;s done the research LA parents know all too well, and she co-founded AfterschoolSearch to make it easier for everyone else.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A parent&#8217;s guide to LA Zoo Lights 2026 at the Los Angeles Zoo: dates, closed nights, tickets, parking, strollers and the best nights to go with kids.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2380,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2391","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-things-to-do"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>LA Zoo Lights 2026: Dates, Tickets and Tips for Parents<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"LA Zoo Lights 2026 runs Nov 20 to Jan 10. 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