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.
Dates for the next edition are usually announced closer to December. Until then, see what's on this weekend in Washington DC.
Updated September 11, 2026 — this guide refreshes whenever the organizer announces dates.