LA Zoo Lights opens Friday, Nov. 20, at the Los Angeles Zoo in Griffith Park and runs select evenings through Jan. 10. Tickets start at $19, and parking is free.
The zoo says the 2026 show features all-new light displays themed around a journey through plants. Some favorites return, including interactive elements and photo spots. So families who went last year will see a mix of old and new.
LA Zoo Lights dates, hours and closures
The event does not run every night. The zoo lists these closed dates:
- Nov. 26 (Thanksgiving Day) and Nov. 30
- Dec. 1, 7, 14, 15, 16, 24, 25 and 31
- Jan. 4, 5, 6 and 7
On event days the box office is open from 5:45 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. Because the box office closes before the show ends, arrive early if you want a full walk through. Two special nights are also planned. Sensory-Inclusive Zoo Lights happens on Dec. 8, and Pride Night is Dec. 17.
Tickets, parking and extras
The $19 price is the starting point, so the cost can differ by date and ticket type. Check the zoo’s ticketing page before you buy. Zoo members get discounts on tickets and on food and retail purchases.
An artificial ice-skating rink returns, but it needs a separate ticket. The zoo also lists seasonal treats, cocktails and photos with Santa Claus, which cost extra on select days.
The lights are a nighttime event, so bring a jacket. Evenings in Griffith Park can turn cool in December, and the walking route is outdoors. Strollers are common, but plan for crowds on weekends and the days near school breaks.
Getting there
The zoo is at 5333 Zoo Drive, next to the 5 and 134 freeways. Free parking helps, however busy opening weekends can fill lots early. Rideshare or a carpool can save time. The Zoo Lights run on a holiday season that overlaps with other big LA draws, such as the LA Auto Show, so expect heavier traffic downtown that month.
For more things to plan around, see our Los Angeles and California hub. Prices and dates are accurate as of Nov. 15, 2026, and the zoo can change them.