Living Locally: Zoolights at The Oregon Zoo

I hope everyone had an amazing Thanksgiving this last week and had the opportunity to feast with friends, family and make memories. I had a whirlwind of a long weekend which included dinner at my house, a friendsgiving at my friend's home, black Friday shopping, an overnight solo trip to southern Oregon to visit my Mom, and lastly, our annual visit to the Oregon Zoo's Zoolights. 

This year we were once again very lucky and had a dry evening with no rain, but it was much colder than our visit last year, but our coats, gloves and lots of hot cocoa made the evening perfect.

If you've never been to the Zoolights exhibit before, here’s the rundown – the Zoolights begin at 5pm every evening and you get to walk around the zoo and see tons of magical lights and exhibits. Most of the animals are sleeping, but there are some nocturnal animals that you can still visit. 

The zoo also offers a quick train ride around that lets you get a better view of some of the lights, and the kids always love to ride it just before we leave. 

There’s something so magical about walking around together as a family with hot chocolate in hand, admiring the twinkling lights and the atmosphere. It’s something that I know will create good memories that my kids will fondly remember when they are older.

If you are planning on heading up to Zoolights (which runs until January 3^th, 2016) I’d recommend dressing with multiple layers, buying disposable hand warmers (they have some to purchase in the gift shop), and drinking lots of peppermint cocoa!

If you are able to, there are also many weeknight value nights form 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. that offer a considerably reduced admission price. Learn more HERE. 

ZooLights Admission

Members: Free

Adults (12–64): $14.95

Seniors (65 and up): $12.95

Children (3–11): $9.95

2 and under: Free

General train admission: $4

ZooLights Schedule

Sunday–Thursday: gates open 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Friday–Saturday: gates open 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Grounds remain open an hour after gates close.

ZooLights is closed December 24, and 25.

You should definitely make the trip up to Portland for this once a year experience! Read about our visit last year HERE. :)

~Melissa
* I was given complementary passes to the Oregon Zoo Zoolights, no other compensation was received. All opinions are my own. If you'd like to work with MelissaKaylene.com please visit HERE for more info.