Zoo Lights Portland Oregon

Zoo Lights Portland Oregon is an annual event at the Oregon Zoo and is a wonderful tradition for celebrating the holidays in Portland. “See the zoo transformed into a winter wonderland, aglow with a million lights. More than 200 animated animals 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.” The Portland Oregon Zoo Lights event is much anticipated each year, and children will delight in the sparkling lights, animated displays, and zoo trains.

Oregon ZooLights Video

These days, the Oregon Zoo is one of the most popular zoos in the country and a favorite of locals and visitors alike.  Conveniently located in NW Portland, with easy access on the TriMet MAX light rail line. Throughout the year, various activities such as Zoo Concerts and Portland Oregon Zoo Lights are held to make the zoo attractive all year long.  Over a million people visit the zoo each year to view over 2000 different creatures.

Portland Oregon Zoo Lights Visitors Information

Typical Days:
Usually opening day is the day after Thanksgiving every year. Zoo lights is closed on Christmas Day, Dec. 25th each year. The Oregon Zoo lights event typically stops the first week of Jan.

Typical Hours:
Mon. through Sun. 5pm to 9pm.
They typically allow you to stay until one hour after gate closes.

Oregon Zoo Light Prices

It is a free event for Oregon Zoo members.
For everyone else visit OregonZoo.org for the latest pricing.

Oregon Zoo Light Parking

Every year the Oregon Zoo Lights event can cause a traffic jam that runs all the way down into Highway 26. It can take more than an hour to find parking! The entire Zoo parking lot is often full and closed. There are various locations available for shuttle parking (not that close to the Zoo though really). So do yourself a favor and take the TriMet Max line which puts your right next to the Zoo entrance.

Visit the Portland Oregon Zoo Lights Website for additional information.

The Zoo Lights Portland Oregon exhibit also features live entertainment. Local Portland area youth groups, choirs, and bands perform at Zoo Lights each year. Click to view the schedule of events for Oregon ZooLights for this year.

Portland Oregon Zoo Address: 

4001 SW Canyon Road,  Portland, Oregon 97221

Directions to Portland Oregon Zoo Lights:

Take TriMet MAX Light Rail to the Washington Park Station. Trains arrive every few minutes. If driving, take HWY 26 West of Downtown Portland Oregon. The zoo is located five minutes west of downtown Portland on Highway 26. Watch for the signs. The zoo is the first exit from this highway.

Read more about the Portland Oregon Zoo here.

The Oregon Zoo Lights Event is located in the southwest Portland Arlington Heights Neighborhood.

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