Zoo Lights

WHERE WILDLIFE MEETS WILD LIGHTS!

Come and experience a holiday light safari with more than 38 brilliantly-illuminated acres of lights, featuring more than 150 animated animal sculptures that swing through trees, jump across lawns, hide in bushes and appear in places where they’re least expected.

General (Non-Members) Admission Fees

Adults (Ages 12-64)        $8
Children (Ages 3-11)      $4
Seniors (Ages 65+)        $6

Members' Discount Admission Fees

Adults (Ages 12-64)        $6
Children (Ages 3-11)      $2
Seniors (Ages 65+)        $4

GROUP SALES
Group rates are available for groups of 10 or more.

Adults (Ages 12-64)        $7
Children (Ages 3-11)      $3
Seniors (Ages 65+)        $5

Click here for GREEN HOLIDAY TIPS

As an organization dedicated to conservation Denver Zoo believes in celebrating the holidays in the most environmentally responsible way possible by making wise conservation choices. The sparkle and glow of holiday lights bring magic and excitement to the season and are an important tradition for families and the community. Denver Zoo’s goal is to honor the holidays and celebrate tradition while having as little impact on the environment as possible.

Zoo Lights is 90% LED
By continuing to update our light collection to reflect our mission of conservation, more environmentally friendly LED lights, or light-emitting diodes, have been added and they now compose 90 percent of the Zoo Lights. LEDs use only a fraction of the energy of conventional bulbs and are much better for the environment. LEDs use only about one percent of the power of standard (C7) holiday lights, and about 10 percent of the power in mini-lights. Denver Zoo also keeps all lights on timers. Light timers help insure that holiday lights are only on during event hours and for repairs.

Zoo Lights is 100% offset by wind power from Renewable Choice Energy - Denver Zoo has developed a partnership with Renewable Choice Energy to offset energy used at Zoo Lights by  purchasing RECs (Renewable Energy Credits) at http://www.renewablechoice.com/

What is a REC?
An REC is also known as a renewable energy credit. When the U.S. government, states, businesses and individuals purchase renewable energy these days, they actually purchase Renewable Energy Credits (RECs).

Every time a renewable energy producer adds electricity to the national electric grid, it also generates a renewable energy credit. A REC represents the additional cost and value of a specific amount of renewable energy that is generated. These credits are also the industry standard method of accounting for renewable energy production and they are audited and guaranteed by an independent third-party Green-e program run by the Center for Resource Solutions in San Francisco.

Renewable Choice sells these RECs on behalf of renewable energy producing partners to people and businesses who want to support renewable energy.

When you purchase wind power from Renewable Choice Energy, your electric bill won't change. You still pay your utility company to supply electricity to your home. What you get is the comfort in knowing a specific amount of electricity you consume is replaced on the national grid with clean, carbon-free electricity.

Looking for more information? Click Here to learn more about how Renewable Energy works and the positive impacts it has on our world today and for future generations

Warming stations throughout the zoo will offer holiday treats to warm you from the inside out including funnel cakes, kettle corn, carmel apples, brownie bites, cotton candy, soft bread pretzels, roasted almonds, churros, cider, enough hot chocolate to quench an elephant’s thirst and for mature audiences, hot drinks with their favorite spirits!

Thaw your paws during Zoo Lights in one of Denver Zoo’s indoor exhibits. Visit our elephants Mimi and Dolly in the pachyderm building, say happy holidays to our baby giraffes Kang and Turbo in the giraffe house, or get nose to snout with one of Denver Zoo’s animal residents during a live animal demonstration in Tropical Discovery from 6– 8 p.m. nightly. While not all our animals are available for viewing during Zoo Lights here is a list of a few you might see: Elephants, Rhinos, Hippos, Big Horn Sheep, Reindeer, Bison, Polar Bears, Sea Lions, Bactrian Camels, Howler Monkeys, Snakes, Fish, Komodo Dragons and Artic Fox. 

KWANZAA
Dates: December 26 -30
Time: 5- 9 p.m.
Cost: Activities free with Zoo Lights admission.

Gather with friends, family and the community to celebrate the cultural holiday of Kwanzaa, a tradition that honors African American heritage through African dance, music, and education.

Craft
Time: 5 – 9 p.m.
Location: Conoco Pavilion

African Storytelling
Time: 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Location: Conoco Pavilion

African Drumming and Dancing
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Conoco Pavilion

ZOO YEAR'S EVE
Dates: December 31
Time: 5- 9 p.m.
Cost: Activities free with Zoo Lights admission.

On the brink of a brand new year, children can also experience the fun of Zoo Year’s Eve, a wild New Year’s Eve party beginning at 5 p.m. on Dec. 31 with entertainment and activities that lead up to an early countdown to New Year at 9 p.m. It’s the perfect night for families to celebrate together without stretching the limit on bedtime!

Juggling Jeff
Time: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Location: Conoco Pavilion

Magician: Magic Rob
Time: 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Location: Conoco Pavilion

Musical Performance: Dr. Noize
Time: 8 – 9 p.m.
Location: Conoco Pavilion

Count Down to the New Year
Time: 9 p.m.
Location: Conoco Pavilion


Choirs and Musical Groups Performing at Denver Zoo’s Zoo Lights

• Denver Zoo members receive $2 off ZOO LIGHTS general admission prices.
• 9 News - 9 Cares Colorado Shares - Bring a non-perishable food donation and receive $1 off your Zoo Lights admission.
  
  

We are pleased that your group is planning a visit to view Zoo Lights at Denver Zoo! A discount on admission is available for groups of 10 or more paid admissions. We encourage groups to pre-purchase their passes in order to receive a lower rate. Non-profit organizations with 10 or more paid admissions receive the lowest rate with proof of non-profit status.

If you are interested in pre-purchasing passes, please complete the Zoo Lights Group Sales Form (59k PDF) and return it at least 12 days prior to your visit date. We will process the number of group passes you have requested and return them to the address you have indicated on the attached form or hold them at Will Call. These passes are non-refundable, but are good from December 7 – January 6.  Passes may be used between the hours of 5-9pm. They are great for presents or company incentives.

For further information please feel free to contact Felise Buckheart at 303-376-4873 or fbuckheart@denverzoo.org

Denver Zoo is excited to offer your company the opportunity to come and visit Zoo Lights from December 7- January 6 from 5-9pm at a discounted price!  The tickets are good for any Zoo Lights admission. If your company is interested please fill out the accompanying form and mail or fax it in to get your company started on savings at the zoo.

Click here to print faxable Consignment ordering form (23k PDF)

Denver Zoo illuminates over 35 acres with Zoo Lights, a holiday light spectacular.  The entire family can delight in this celebration with millions of sparkling lights, glittering trees, animated light sculptures and holiday entertainment.

Remember, you will only be charged for the tickets sold if you return them before January 7. If they are not returned before January 7 you will be charged for the full order.

Consignment tickets may be either picked up at Will Call in Guest Services or they can be mailed out after signing your contract.

Tourism Sales Ordering Policies:

• Passes may not be sold for amounts over than the prices listed above
• Passes will not be mailed or cannot be picked up until signed contract is received.
• Please call 303-376-4873 to arrange Pick-Up of passes
• Passes are good from December 7 – January 6, Zoo Lights admissions only

The prices for Zoo Lights tickets are as follows:
Adult (12-64) – $7.00
Child (3-11) - $3.00
Senior (65+) - $5.00

For further information please feel free to contact Felise Buckheart at 303-376-4873 or fbuckheart@denverzoo.org

Denver Zoo would like to extend its gratitude to the following sponsors of the 15th annual "ZOO LIGHTS." It is only through their continued and generous support that Denver Zoo is able to provide such high-quality family experiences.

      

    

For more information on Zoo Lights corporate sponsorships please call 303-376-4864 or email rdavis@denverzoo.org.