Lions, tigers, and bears, oh my! The wildest holiday tradition in Tacoma is back. Now through January 4, the whole family can enjoy Tacoma’s 38-year-old tradition of Zoolights at Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium.
(Image: Katie G. Cotterill/Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium)
What’s New for Zoolights 2025
This year brings more lights than ever before, totaling 1.5 million. You’ll also notice a new aurora borealis theme. Additionally, dogs are allowed to come on specific nights for the first time ever (Remaining dog nights are Dec. 9 and 10 and Jan. 4. Make sure to buy your dog’s ticket online since they don’t accept walk-up dogs).
(Image: Katie G. Cotterill/Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium)
How to Plan Your Zoolights Visit
Upon entering the zoo, you’ll be directed to walk towards the lighted tiger with a sign that says “enter here”. From there you will find a well-marked parth that guides you through the Zoolights. Before starting down the path, make sure to take a picture at the lighted wreath and grab a hot chocolate to sip along the way. Our daughter loved that they added marshmallows to the hot chocolate!
The Zoolights are an annual tradition for our family, and we always enjoy looking at the various displays (especially the lighted tunnel, Narrows Bridge, and giant octopus) and keeping an eye out for the lighted Sasquatch. There are several photo opportunities along the way, as well as a giant peg lights that kids can play with in the pavilion near the Pacific Seas Aquarium. The zoo has several reminders that the animals are sleeping and the aquarium is closed, but if you look closely, you might find a couple still awake. We saw the clouded leopard, penguins and some wild racoons.
A Clouded Leopard was still awake to greet us! (Image: Amber Moak / Seattle’s Child)
Can You See Animals at Night?
If you want to guarantee that you see animals, consider purchasing tickets for the Groovy Goats experience. This animal encounter experience lets you get up and person with the goats and give them festive enrichment. Space is limited, and the thirty-minute experience is only available on Thursdays through Mondays at 4:40 and 5:15 pm. Make sure to book your tickets ahead of time ($55 a participant or $35 for members, available for all ages).
Food, Treats & Carousel Rides
Once we finished the route, we enjoyed dinner at the Plaza Cafe. There are also some yummy treats you can pick up here or along the way, such as kettle corn and a cinnamon roll on a stick, which both smelled delicious. We then took a ride on the historic 1917 carousel that features many different types of animals, including a frog, whale, and elephant. ($4 a ticket or $2 for members).
(Image: Amber Moak / Seattle’s Child)
Tickets, Pricing and Parking (2025)
Tickets are timed arrival, so purchase yours ahead of time to make sure you get your preferred date and time. Costs range from $14-$20 per person based on the date, and member tickets
are $7-$10 per person. Parking is free.
The Zoo is located at 5400 North Pearl Street, Tacoma, WA 98407, and is easy to get to from I-5. From Seattle, take the 132 exit to SR 16 West. Then take the Pearl Street/Ruston exit and head north on Pearl Street. Due to construction in Point Defiance Park, you’ll need to use the Mildred Street entrance to get to the zoo. There were easy-to-follow signs when we went.
(Image: Katie G. Cotterill/Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium)
Helpful Tips For Families
- Zoolights are open from 4:30-10 p.m. daily, except for December 24 and 25 when the zoo is closed.
- Bring layers. This exhibit is open rain or shine so bring layers to ensure everyone stays warm.
- The path is stroller-friendly and the perfect length for anyone in the family to walk, even toddlers
- The zoo is a cashless facility.
- Group tickets are available for groups of 25 or more people.
- Dogs are allowed at the zoo on Dec 9, 10 and Jan 4 so plan accordingly. We were there on a dog night, and they were all well-behaved.
More Holiday Lights & Events
- WildLanterns at Woodland Park Zoo. A top-searched Seattle holiday experience, featuring towering illuminated animals, immersive zones, and dazzling lantern art.
- Holiday Light Displays Roundup. Our comprehensive guide to drive-thru displays, neighborhood shows, walk-through experiences, and new 2025 additions.
- Garden d’Lights at Bellevue Botanical Garden. A beloved annual tradition known for handcrafted botanical sculptures made from more than half a million lights.
- Candy Cane Lane (Seattle). One of Seattle’s longest-running neighborhood light traditions, perfect for families who love classic home displays.
- Ballard Nutcracker House. A hyper-local favorite where one home transforms into a Nutcracker wonderland complete with glowing characters and whimsical touches.
Some of the products, services, or experiences mentioned in this article may have been provided at no cost or at a discount. However, all opinions expressed are solely those of the author and/or the Seattle’s Child editorial team. Our coverage remains independent, and we only feature things we genuinely believe will be of interest to our readers.
