TACOMA, Wash. — Tickets are on sale for the 39th annual Zoolights, which returns to Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium (PDZA) in Tacoma from Nov. 27 through Jan. 3.
PDZA’s seasonal event features more than 1.5 million lights arranged in illuminated displays across the zoo grounds.
A one-way walking pathway leads visitors past displays including the Narrows Bridges, the Flame Tree and Sasquatch, alongside interactive light features and hot beverage stands.
Danish artist Thomas Dambo built giant wooden trolls for the zoo out of recycled and repurposed materials. Three of the trolls — Boge, Poppy and Birch — will be lit during Zoolights, while all four remain accessible during regular daytime hours.
The venue will host designated Dog Nights on Dec. 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 and Jan. 3. Advance online tickets are required for Dog Nights and cover admission for one dog and one adult. Prices range from $28 to $36 for members and $31 to $42 for the general public.
Scout groups can visit with $14 tickets on Nov. 30 and Dec. 7.
A Sensory-Friendly Night scheduled for Jan. 9 will feature adjusted lighting and reduced music for guests with sensory needs. Tickets for that evening cost $8 for members and $16 for general admission.
The zoo is also offering 30-minute private Groovy Goats encounters where participants can feed peppermint treats to goats, with tickets ranging from $25 to $55, including event admission.
General admission tickets for Zoolights range from $8 to $11 for members and $16 to $22 for the non-member public, depending on the date, while children age 2 and under enter free.
Event hours run from 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. nightly, and regular animal exhibits and aquariums are closed during the event.
Zoolights will run nightly from Nov. 27 through Jan. 3, with scheduled closures on Dec. 24 and Dec. 25. Timed online tickets are available here.
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