Washington · every December
ZooLights at the National Zoo 2026
The Smithsonian's National Zoo holiday tradition: more than 100 hand-painted animal lanterns, roughly a million LED lights, train rides, and festive entertainment on select evenings from late November through December.
Quick questions
- When is ZooLights at the National Zoo?
- Usually held in December. This year's exact dates appear above as soon as the organizer announces them.
- Where is it held?
- Smithsonian's National Zoo, Washington.
- Is it good for kids?
- ZooLights at the National Zoo is a Washington DC family guide — it is picked with kids in mind. The event listing above shows age guidance when the organizer provides it.
This year's event: ZooLights →
Updated October 25, 2026 — this guide refreshes whenever the organizer announces dates.