OREGON ZOO . PORTLAND, OREGON . WWW.OREGONZOO.ORG
ZooLights Festival
Sponsored by
with generous support from 
and
Rediscover an Oregon Holiday Tradition
Dates
December 1 through December 31
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.
| Prices | Admission package (includes train ride) |
Admission Only |
| Adults 12 to 64 | $6.50 | $5.50 |
| Seniors 65 and over | $5.00 | $4.50 |
| Children 3 to 11 | $4.00 | $3.50 |
| Infants under 3 free | free | free |
| Members | more information |
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.
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: Rock E. Goat, Buddy Beaver, Eliza Elephant, Nate the Eagle, KiKi Monkey and 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.
Participating Artists include: Roger Long, Jan Landis, Genece Klein, Lee Plympton, Sharon Dunham, Lynda Spoecher, Willy Stixenberger, Charlie Arnet, Clifton and, Christine Bruno, Jody Koczian and Bryn Fleming
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.
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