Denver Zoo Lights tickets on sale now as event organizers add 1 million new lights to 2023 display

By Jonathan Ingraham November 17, 2023 | updated 3 years ago

Giraffes are lit up a the Denver Zoo's 'Zoo Lights' event in December 2010. (Courtesy, Denver Zoo)

For 33 years, the Denver Zoo has been bringing visitors its Zoo Lights display for the holiday season, and tickets are on sale now.

“Now with 80 acres, boasting more than 3 million sparkling lights (up from 2 million in previous years), Denver Zoo is still the destination for holiday memories,” Denver Zoo officials said in a release Friday. “This year, there’s even more magic than ever, including an adults-only night (Nov. 20), sensory-friendly night (Dec. 31), animated light sculptures, nightly ice-carving exhibitions sponsored by Primrose Schools, and festive seasonal treats.”

Giraffes are lit up a the Denver Zoo's 'Zoo Lights' event in December 2010. (Courtesy, Denver Zoo) — Giraffes are lit up a the Denver Zoo’s ‘Zoo Lights’ event in December 2010. (Courtesy, Denver Zoo)

The Zoo is also introducing new peak and standard pricing, allowing guests to enjoy lower prices and smaller crowds on select dates.

Tickets are available online at DenverZoo.org.

“Guests can experience: live ice-carving exhibitions with local artists, seasonal craft cocktails and holiday treats and cozy fire barrels. And enchanting new installations, with themes like sunrise, river and waterfall, immerse guests in a wash of color and dazzling animal light sculptures,” the Zoo said.

Add-on packages include the Zoo it All Pass and Glow Package, which offer custom HoloSpex 3-D glasses and a reusable souvenir mug filled with hot cocoa or cider.

People walk around lit up trees in December 2018 at the Denver Zoo's 'Zoo Lights' event in Denver, Colorado. (Courtesy, Chuck Springer) — People walk around lit up trees in December 2018 at the Denver Zoo’s ‘Zoo Lights’ event in Denver, Colorado. (Courtesy, Chuck Springer)

The Denver Zoo also announced it has reduced its energy consumption by 78% during Zoo Lights since switching to LED lights in 2005, saving a cumulative 6.5 million kWh and $600,000, citing Xcel Energy data.

“Zoo Lights sell out every year, and with limited nightly capacity to enhance the visitor experience, guests are highly encouraged to purchase tickets for their select dates and times immediately,” the Zoo said.

Standard price tickets start at $25 for adults and $18 for kids with peak pricing at $28 for adults and $21 for kids. For more information and tickets, visit DenverZoo.org.

A gorilla is lit up in December 2018 at the Denver Zoo's 'Zoo Lights' event in Denver, Colorado. (Courtesy, Chuck Springer) — A gorilla is lit up in December 2018 at the Denver Zoo’s ‘Zoo Lights’ event in Denver, Colorado. (Courtesy, Chuck Springer)

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Jonathan Ingraham

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