Tacoma —The spooky season has officially come to an end, and it is now time to prepare for the holiday season. As you get into the holiday spirit, the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is doing the same.
The annual Zoolights at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, which is presented by BECU, is back again this year beginning Friday, Nov. 29 through Sunday, Jan. 5. Here’s what to know about the event and ticket information.
- Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium Zoolights
Although the Point Defiance Zoo has not quite transformed into a bright and colorful winter wonderland yet, tickets are already on sale for their annual Zoolights.
The Zoolights will be an evening event beginning on Friday, Nov. 29 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., and the last day will be Sunday, Jan. 5. It will run daily, except for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, when it’s closed.
This year’s Zoolights will feature over 30 colorful displays throughout the zoo, many new displays, and some classic displays such as the giant octopus and the tiger face. The zoo’s cafe will be open during the event and will have seasonal treats for sale such as a hot cocoa float and fried apple fries.
Although guests will be able to walk around the zoo, they won’t be able to see or interact with any zoo animals as they will be asleep, and the aquarium will be closed during the event. There will be a chance to pet a herd of goats dressed in holiday sweaters at an additional cost.
- Zoolights 2024 ticket information
Online timed tickets are required for anyone 3 years or older, and there won’t be any tickets available to purchase at the entrance.
Ticket prices vary depending on the day of the week and are set to increase beginning Dec. 16.
Between Nov. 20 and Dec. 15, ticket prices for Monday through Thursday are $14 and $7 for members. Zoolights tickets for Friday through Sunday are $20 and $10 for members. Beginning Dec. 16 and through Jan. 5, nightly general ticket prices will increase to $20 and the price for members will be $10.
BECU members can save $2 on tickets by purchasing tickets through the BECU ticket page with a BECU credit or debit card.
Flex tickets are also available for those who want to attend this event, but are unsure of a specific date. The flex tickets are $26 and can be used any night throughout the duration of the Zoolights event.
- Groovy Goats at 2024 Zoolights
For those looking to up their Zoolights experience, Point Defiance Zoo is offering a private animal encounter that will feature a herd of goats dressed in holiday-themed sweaters. Visitors will be able to pet the goats, take pictures and feed the goats their favorite treats.
The holiday-themed Groovy Goats experience will offer two daily 30-minute private experiences throughout the Zoolights events.
Tickets for this experience for zoo members are $30 per person, and $50 per person for non-zoo members. It includes access to the goat yard as well as admission to the Zoolights. Every person participating in this experience is expected to have a ticket, including children under the age of two.
