Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute will bring ZooLights back for its 18th year on select evenings from November 20, 2026, through January 3, 2027. The event will illuminate the grounds with one million LED lights and more than 100 lanterns depicting animals and habitats.
Source: Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, “ZooLights Returns Nov. 20 to Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute”, published October 8, 2026. The release lists the event dates, ticket information and planned displays; no separate update date is shown.
The lanterns will represent ocean, desert, grassland, rainforest and polar habitats. The program also includes live entertainment, seasonal food and shopping, with an Adults-Only Night planned for December 16. ZooLights will run on selected dates rather than every night during the season.
Admission is listed at $10 per person, with separate parking fees. The Zoo says proceeds from tickets, concessions and parking support animal care and conservation science.
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