Zoo Lights returns for 34th year in Denver

DENVER — More than three million lights will illuminate the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance’s 34th annual Zoo Lights.

The zoo’s 80 acres have been adorned with millions of lights and animated light sculptures for the event, which runs from Saturday, Nov. 23, to Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025.

The zoo said Down Under, its newest habitat featuring the species of Australia and surrounding regions, has also been lit up for Zoo Lights.

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance is hosting two special evenings during Zoo Lights — Adult Night for ages 21 and up on Friday, Nov. 22, and Sensory-Friendly Night on Tuesday, Dec. 31, for guests living with sensory processing disorders with special accommodations including reduced crowds, low-volume music and quiet rooms.

Zoo Lights start at $25 for adults and seniors and $18 for kids 3 and up (kids 2 and under are free) and can be purchased at DenverZoo.org.  

New for this year, during Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance’s Holiday Lights Recycling Initiative, guests can drop off their old string lights at a collection bin next to the Welcome Center located to the right of the main entrance through Jan. 31.

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance said it has reduced its energy consumption by 74% during Zoo Lights since switching to LED lights in 2005, saving a cumulative 6.9 million kWh and $630,000.