More than 1 million lights, new displays await visitors of this Tacoma holiday tradition
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium’s elephants have returned — in lighted form. A series of displays creates an animated scene of the pachyderms marching from the savanna towards visitors at this year’s Zoolights.
It’s one of several new features at the annual after-dark spectacle which opens Friday, Nov. 29, and runs through Sunday, Jan. 5.
“We have all of the old favorites, like the Narrows Bridge and the Giant Pacific Octopus that our community knows and loves, and we also have an exciting array of stunning new light displays,” said zoo and aquarium spokesperson Whitney DalBalcon.
More than 1 million lights fill the grounds — a record, according to the zoo and aquarium. The event is in its 37th year.
New this year
A lighted safari of animals joins the parading elephants. Ostriches, a hippo and giraffes meander through the wilds.
In the summer, blooming flowers attract pollinators to the zoo’s native play garden. For Zoolights, lighted butterflies flutter through the area. Dragonflies, bees and ladybugs join them. Near the crowd favorite flame tree, a tiger waits to pounce.
A new section acts as a tribute to Northwest Trek Wildlife Park near Eatonville. It features bears, bison, Roosevelt elk and wolves.
A flock of flamingos takes up residence near a blooming gunnera plant. While the zoo has an extensive botanical collection, this large-leaved plant is made out of lights. Nearby are a pair of purple gorillas.
Three new photo backdrops — perfect for a group or family picture — are available, DalBalcon said. The themes are tropical fish, penguins and Arctic tundra.
Save some money
The aquariums are closed during the event. They are open during the day when the rest of the zoo is also open.
If you want to save a few bucks, visit Zoolights before Dec. 16 when general admission goes from $14 to $20.
Tickets are timed and must be purchased online.
If you go
What: Zoolights
Where: Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
When: 4:30 p.m.-10 p.m., Nov. 29-Jan. 5
Admission: $14-20 for general admission (age 3 and above). Prices vary by date.
Information: pdza.org
This story was originally published November 25, 2024 at 5:00 AM.
