The Maryland Zoo kicks off the holiday season with the opening night of Zoo Lights presented by Chase. The seven-week event features more than 80 lights displays with 150,000 environmentally-friendly LED lights, transitioning the Zoo into a sparkling winter wonderland.

Zoo Lights operates five nights a week, Wednesday-Sunday from 5–8 pm. On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, guests will be on foot walking along a beautifully lit path starting at the Main Gate, heading down Buffalo Yard Road and into Zoo Central. With an expanded walking path this year, the walking experience also includes free train and carousel rides (weather permitting), access to snacks and hot cocoa for purchase. The Zoo will also be accepting new and unwrapped toys for pediatric patients of the Herman & Walter Samuelson Children’s Hospital on Saturday evenings and toiletry items on Sunday evenings to benefit patients and families of Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital.

On Wednesdays and Thursdays, guests can experience Zoo Lights from the comfort of their vehicles, starting at Eagle Gate and proceeding down Buffalo Yard Road.

Tickets are $33 per vehicle and $28 per person for the walk-thru experience. Members receive a $5 discount per ticket purchased. Tickets must be reserved in advance, and dates may be modified due to inclement weather.