Oregon Zoo’s annual holiday light display goes drive-through

A West Coast holiday tradition is back!

The Oregon Zoo’s ZooLights celebration opens Nov. 22, showcasing a colourful wonderland of more than 1.5 million brightly coloured lights.

The annual light display was uncertain following new statewide measures to slow the spread of COVID-19, but with additional guidance from Gov. Kate Brown’s office, the zoo will offer guests a drive-through experience.

“Everything’s been a little different in 2020, and ZooLights is no exception,” says zoo events manager Nikki Simmons. “Like most of this community, our biggest concern right now is protecting everyone’s health and safety. We’re just thankful we could come up a good way for the community to enjoy this holiday tradition.”

The zoo suspended daytime operations and closed to walk-through visitors Nov. 18. Tickets for the new drive-through ZooLights will be available via the Oregon Zoo website starting Nov. 19 at 10 a.m.

To help ensure a safe experience for all, the following measures are in place during this year’s ZooLights:

• Timed ticketing/limited attendance: All guests, including members, must reserve their ZooLights tickets in advance via the zoo website. Tickets are only available up to one week in advance of the visit date.
• Masks/face coverings: Drive-through guests do not need to wear masks while enjoying the lights from inside their vehicle. Masks are required, however, during check-in and other interactions with ZooLights staff.

For more information on ZooLights, visit oregonzoo.org/zoolights.

Committed to conservation, the Oregon Zoo is currently working to save endangered California condors, Oregon silverspot butterflies, Taylor’s checkerspot butterflies, western pond turtles and northern leopard frogs.The Oregon Zoo Foundation leads efforts to fund critical needs of the zoo during its reduced-capacity reopening.

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