Preparethe placeget us ready

Getting ready for Zoo Lights.

Dark, cold, millions of lights and a lot of families. This page follows the zoo's own tips, and the plan below is for Zoo Lights.

Sensory supports. Low music and quiet rooms on the sensory night.

Hours

Nov 23 to Jan 3, select nights. Sun to Thu 4:30 to 9:00 pm, Fri and Sat 4:30 to 10:00 pm. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.

2300 Steele St, Denver 80205

When it's quieter

Sensory-Friendly Night, Dec 31: “Reduced crowds,” no strobing effects and increased light, low-volume music, quiet rooms, sensory kits on request.

“Please prepare extra time to park for this popular event!” A second east entrance and the Pink Entrance open “on busier nights.”

Some nights cost less (value nights: Nov 29 to Dec 2, Dec 6, 8, 9, 13 to 16, Jan 2 and 3). The zoo doesn't say why, but a cheaper night is a good bet for a thinner crowd. Dec 17 to 24 and 26 to 30 are all full-price nights.
Blossoms of Light at Denver Botanic Gardens and Hudson Holidays in Littleton each hold a sensory night too. Each has its own page with its own plan, under Related. If staying in the car would work better for your family, Christmas in Color is a 30-minute drive-thru at Red Rocks; passes are on sale now and you pick the night later.

Parking is free, first come first served: the four-level garage and the lot east of the Main Entrance. Attendants direct traffic on busy nights.
Timed ticket required for everyone, including infants. Have the QR code ready on your phone. No refunds or exchanges, including for weather.
Most animals are asleep. The zoo says to visit the Elephant House, Village Hall, Pahali Ya Simba and Tropical Discovery for animal viewing (all indoor; the zoo's sensory guide says Tropical Discovery is kept warmer).

Visual schedule

Zoo Lights Night

More about Zoo Lights at Denver Zoo

Conservation Carousel (music; turned down on the sensory night)

Blinking light effects (no strobing on the sensory night)not stated

Crowds (the zoo opens extra entrances on busier nights)not stated

Wellness Room, Primate Panorama restroomsquiet zone

Family restrooms, Main Entrance and Kamala Caféquiet zone

Tropical Discovery (indoor, kept warmer)quiet zone

Standard nights adults and seniors $29.95, youth $22.95; value nights $25.95 / $18.95. Members save 10%. Dec 7, Dec 31 and Jan 1 are not in either price list; Dec 31 is the sensory night. Tickets on sale Nov 5 (members Nov 2).
Everything on the Denver Zoo page still applies at night: free sensory kit at the Concierge booth inside the Main Entrance (on the sensory night, kits are available on request), family restrooms at the Main Entrance and Kamala Café. Quiet rooms are promised for the sensory night; on other nights, ask at the Concierge booth.
On the sensory night the music is turned down, including on the Conservation Carousel and the Denver Zoo Railroad. Call 720-337-1400 to confirm which rides run that night.
Pre-purchase hot cocoa souvenir cups are offered.
It is outdoors in Denver in December. Dress for it.