Festive Family Fun at Denver Zoo Lights
Denver Zoo Lights is an event where the zoo is lit up by lots and lots of little shimmering lights in all different colors throughout the park. Some are just strands of lights providing festive ambiance, while many others are animal figures illuminated in colorful lights, very appropriate for the location of course.
The event is centered around the holiday season and runs from the end of November, through December, and into the beginning of the new year.
It is a special ticketed event after the zoo closes for the evening and is a great family friendly Christmas outing!
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Denver Zoo Lights Walk
Once inside you follow a defined path through the Denver Zoo from beginning to end, with so many things to see along the way.
There are light animals on the ground and high in the trees. Some are still, and some create the illusion of movement due to how the lights shift.
You’re basically taking a journey through all the animals of the zoo but in a very different sort of exhibit!
Themed Sections
Different areas of the Denver Zoo Lights event have different music playing and different theming. The storybooks set up around the zoo help explain each section or they also have a digital version of the event map and storybook you can look at as you walk around.
Examples of themed sections include:
- Colorado Holidays
- Northern Lights
- Whimsical Wonderland
- Savanna Sunset
- Wonders of the Ice
- Electric Jungle
- Small Wonders Down Under
- Sunrise Spectacular
- Lanterns and Lights
- Sea to Believe
- Good Tidings to You
In addition to all of the animals, there are Christmas themed light shapes like snowflakes, gingerbread men, candy canes, and Christmas trees.
Animal Exhibits
Most of the real zoo animals were inside burrows or buildings, most of which were closed for the evening, but several were open including the elephant house, the giraffe house, and reptile house.
This was not only neat but a good way to warm up for a bit since it was really cold outside! Plan to go into at least some of the animal buildings to see what they’re up to!
The elephant put on quite the show, moving a rubber ball underneath a bucket with food, suspended in the air and then standing on the ball to reach the food.
Ice Sculptures
They even had some ice sculptures of animals. The hippopotamus was pretty incredible.
Food and Drink at Denver Zoo Lights
Various dining and hot cocoa venues will be open, but my recommendation is to find the German Village Lounge. This is like a mini German Christmas market with cute little stands and yummy treats like toasted nuts and crepes.
More Fun For Kids
The Denver Zoo has the Conservation Carousel or Denver Zoo Railroad, both of which are running during this event. You do have to purchase ride tickets separately though.
There’s also a s’mores station which is perfect for cold wintry nights.
Look for photo opps like macaw wings and other backdrops for fun family photos with your littles. You might even be able to use it for your family Christmas card if you’re last minute like me!
Other Things To Know
You can save money on this event if you are a zoo member. Kids 2 and under are free.
There is an option to buy a bundled ticket to include hot chocolate in a souvenir cup and a ride voucher for both the carousel and railroad.
You can also choose to attend a sensory friendly night with lower music volume, quiet rooms, no light strobing effects, and more light around the zoo.
We both really enjoyed this and were surprised by how well put together the event was. It was a fun way to extend the holiday season!
Make sure you visit the Denver Zoo on a regular day too to see the real life animals!
