Zoolights has been a Tacoma tradition for many years and continues to be one of the best holiday light displays in the Seattle-Tacoma area. And for good reason! The grounds of the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium are decorated with more than half a million tiny, bright lights that dazzle young children and adult visitors alike. Starting right after Thanksgiving and continuing until after New Years, Zoolights is a safe bet to up the ante on your holiday season.
You can also visit the zoo during the day, and you can even purchase a combo ticket that includes daytime admission to the zoo and nighttime admission to Zoolights.
Across the South Sound, it is an argument between Zoolights and Fantasy Lights at Spanaway which is the best, but Zoolights has the upper hand for a number of reasons. One of the main advantages is that you can make your experience last as long as you want at Zoolights, while at Fantasy Lights you get a car ride for the cost of admission and then that’s it. At Zoolights, buy a hot chocolate and stroll the trails once, twice, or more. Choose your own adventure.
Zoolights also combines many general holiday joys with light displays. The zoo cafe is open so you can have a snack or a hot drink, ride the carousel, even children can ride a camel!
Of course, Zoolights is outdoors, while Fantasy Lights keeps it in your car, so be sure to wear warm, waterproof clothing, as winter in the Northwest is usually quite humid. It may rain, depending on the night, but some buildings stay open so you can duck inside and get out of the weather if necessary. If rain isn’t what you had in mind, advance tickets are good for any night, so if it rains, you can choose to go another night.
Things to see and do
The best part of Zoolights is looking at the lights – take a walk and admire the glowing light displays with animal shapes and nature scenes. The trees and shrubs along the trails are also illuminated. Every year, many screens return from previous years, but usually there is also something (or something!) New to see.
The flame tree is one of the most iconic repeating displays – a large tree festooned with purple-pink lights. Others that return each year include the Narrows Bridges, a giant octopus, polar bears, and a herd of elk. A series of screens are also ‘animated’ and different parts of an image are lit at different times to create the illusion of movement: you will see an eagle swooping to catch a gliding fish, parrots or monkeys, or running deer In the woods.
The atmosphere is surreal and magical and is sure to be a hit with kids, but it’s often just as great for adults – a walk through Zoolights is an ideal date night idea.
There are a few other things to do at Zoolights beyond enjoying the lights, like riding a camel. The journey isn’t long or extravagant, but it can be exciting for young children (and a unique photoshoot for parents). An antique carousel is also on the premises and offers rides during Zoolights. There is a cafe near the zoo entrance where you can buy hot chocolate, coffee, and other snacks.
Most Zoolights are outdoors, but some indoor areas remain open, including the Aquarium of the South Pacific, where sharks and tropical fish can be spotted and warmed up as the building is always tan. However, the new Pacific Seas Aquarium will not be open during Zoolights, so don’t promise your kids that you will go see the sea turtles. Most of the animals are asleep when Zoolights start, but some remain awake, especially meerkats, who are also in a covered area.
Parking and crowds
There is ample free parking inside Point Defiance. The zoo has its own parking lot and you will pass additional parking on your way there. If you come early in the season, you can probably park near the zoo entrance. However, some nights can be very crowded and lots can get crowded. If the zoo lots are full, you will be directed to the auxiliary parking lot at Owen Beach, Fort Nisqually, or others. There are shuttle services that will take you between the ancillary lots and the zoo entrance that run frequently throughout the night.
Zoolights stay open until after Christmas, but don’t count on the days after Christmas being short. Quite the opposite! These days can be very busy as everyone who didn’t show up before Christmas tries to get this off their lists before it closes!
Admission
There is an admission fee to pay. The cost is cheaper for zoo members or if you buy in advance at the zoo, on the zoo’s website, or from participating local vendors like Fred Meyer. Children 2 and under are free. Multiple combo tickets are also available, if you’re interested in going to the zoo that day as well.
Ticket prices for 2018 are:
- Adults 13-64: $ 10 online or at Fred Meyer in advance / $ 12 at the door
- Members $ 6 online or at the door
- Children 2 and under are free!
- Zoolights Day Pass and Combo Tickets are $ 25 for Adults / $ 24 for Seniors $ 65 + / $ 21 for Juniors 5-12 / $ 17 for Children 3-4
Location
Tacoma’s Zoolights is located on the grounds of the Point Defiance Zoo in Point Defiance, a large park on a peninsula in North Tacoma. Point Defiance is located at 5400 N Pearl Street.
