OREGON ZOO   .    PORTLAND, OREGON   .   WWW.OREGONZOO.ORG

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ZooLights Festival

Rediscover an Oregon Holiday Tradition

Thousands of lights, hundreds of entertainment groups, a ride on the zoo's brightly-lit train, puppet shows and pettable animals, a troupe of costumed characters, magical displays and seasonal culinary treats. Our 14th year!

Dates
November 30 through December 30
Closed December 24 and 25

Hours
5:30-8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday through Saturday
Lights out one hour after gate closes; visitors allowed to stay until one hour after gate closes.
Not all of the zoo is open. Only a few of the animals will be visible.

20% discount for groups of 20 or more on package admission only.
Information (503) 220-3687 (recorded message) For group information, call (503) 226-1561 ext 352.

Lights
The zoo is transformed into a winter wonderland, aglow with a half-million lights. Almost 200 sparkling animals come to life in all sizes and shapes, decorating buildings, trees, shrubs and two trains. Visitors begin their ZooLights experience at the zoo's entry village and travel from the Cascade Crest to the Africa plains.

Displays
Animated animal silhouettes swing through trees, jump across lawns, hide in bushes and appear in places where they're least expected. Displays include swinging monkeys, leaping frogs, flying bats, diving penguins and a perfect-for-photos light sculpture featuring a dozen animals.

Zoo Train
The zoo trains are dressed in their finest, adorned with hundreds of lights, as well as animal characters pulling a lighted sleigh.

Entertainment
More than 100 school, church, and professional musical groups and dance troupes are scheduled to perform throughout the festival. Are you interested in performing? E-mail for an application.

Model Train Display
Tualatin Valley Model Railroad Club members will move their 8' X 20' model railroad display to its winter home at the Zoo. Built to NTRAK standards, the model depicts the environment and geography of the Pacific Northwest, including the Columbia Gorge and the Willamette Valley. This is the tenth year the club has added to the festivities.

Elves and Animal Characters
Visitors to the Festival will be greeted at the entrance and met throughout the zoo by holiday elves and their friends--- animal characters: Buddy Beaver, Eliza Elephant, KiKi Monkey, Nate the Eagle, Rock E. Goat, Sandy Sea Otter, Titus Tiger and of course, Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer.

Pettable Pygmy Goats
The zoo's goat herd will available for petting in Africa this year. This rambunctious group will always sit still for head scratches.

Other Animals
Bats, primates and elephants will be visible. Mountain goats, tiger and the zoo's new arrivals, tree Kangaroos, may be visible.

Artists and Craftspeople
Local artists and craftspeople will be demonstrating and selling their works in the Primate Gallery.

Holiday Cheer
Cascade Grill will be transformed into a festive restaurant serving a dinner buffet, as well as holiday treats, warm beverages, gourmet desserts and sparkling wine.  AfriCafe and Food Carts will also be serving their specialties. Holiday Buffet service begins at 5 p.m.
Adults $11.95, youth $6.95, children 2 and under are free. 
No reservations are needed. 

Gift Shop
Cascade Outfitters Gift Shop will be open every evening during the Festival, offering a full range of unique animal and holiday related gifts.

Volunteer Opportunities
Zoo events rely on the efforts of hundreds of volunteers. For more information go to our volunteer section, or e-mail Sara at

Traveling from out of town? Check out the reduced Amtrak fares!
Take advantage of special ZooLights rail fares and travel to Portland from Eugene for as low as $15, from Albany for as low as $11 or Salem starting at $8.  
Kids Travel for 1/2 fare.  Seniors (65+) get an additional 15% off. 
When calling Amtrak, please advise the reservation agent of  "Fares Order X-102". There are restrictions and fares are subject to availability. Please call 1-800-USA-RAIL (872-7245) anytime, day or night .

ZooLights is Sponsored by

with generous support from 
and