L.A. Zoo Lights will celebrate holidays with lantern sculptures and lights

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Los Angeles Zoo visitors are discovering an enchanting world of vibrant lantern sculptures featuring towering animals and festive holiday scenes, a dramatic outdoor show of lights that is underway through January 5.

The event is part of the L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow presented by The Angela Collier Foundation and is hosted at 5333 Zoo Drive.

Guests will wander through “illuminated alpine forests, verdant rainforests, and tranquil rivers, brought to life by stunning light sculptures featuring larger-than-life animals and vivid nature-inspired creations,” according to a press release from the L.A. Zoo.

People enjoy displays during a sneak peek of L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow presented by The Angela Collier Foundation at the Los Angeles Zoo on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024. The event runs from Nov. 15, 2024, through Jan. 5, 2025, featuring lantern sculptures and lights, landscapes of alpine forests, rainforests, and rivers, all illuminated by sculptural lights showcasing large-scale animal and vibrant nature-themed wonders. Tickets start at $18, and free parking is included. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

Lighted sculptures on display during a sneak peek of L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow presented by The Angela Collier Foundation at the Los Angeles Zoo on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024. The event runs from Nov. 15, 2024, through Jan. 5, 2025, featuring lantern sculptures and lights, landscapes of alpine forests, rainforests, and rivers, all illuminated by sculptural lights showcasing large-scale animal and vibrant nature-themed wonders. Tickets start at $18, and free parking is included. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

People ride on a carousel during a sneak peek of L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow presented by The Angela Collier Foundation at the Los Angeles Zoo on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024. The event runs from Nov. 15, 2024, through Jan. 5, 2025, featuring lantern sculptures and lights, landscapes of alpine forests, rainforests, and rivers, all illuminated by sculptural lights showcasing large-scale animal and vibrant nature-themed wonders. Tickets start at $18, and free parking is included. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

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Santa Clause visits with children during a sneak peek of L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow presented by The Angela Collier Foundation at the Los Angeles Zoo on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024. The event runs from Nov. 15, 2024, through Jan. 5, 2025, featuring lantern sculptures and lights, landscapes of alpine forests, rainforests, and rivers, all illuminated by sculptural lights showcasing large-scale animal and vibrant nature-themed wonders. Tickets start at $18, and free parking is included. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

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The Tinsletone Carolers perform during a sneak peek of L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow presented by The Angela Collier Foundation at the Los Angeles Zoo on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024. The event runs from Nov. 15, 2024, through Jan. 5, 2025, featuring lantern sculptures and lights, landscapes of alpine forests, rainforests, and rivers, all illuminated by sculptural lights showcasing large-scale animal and vibrant nature-themed wonders. Tickets start at $18, and free parking is included. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

Denise Verret, CEO and director of the Los Angeles Zoo, speaks as GLAZA Interim President Dawn Petersen-Amend and Executive Director of The Angela Collier Foundation Mohammad Viraniduring listen during a sneak peek of L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow presented by The Angela Collier Foundation at the Los Angeles Zoo on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024. The event runs from Nov. 15, 2024, through Jan. 5, 2025, featuring lantern sculptures and lights, landscapes of alpine forests, rainforests, and rivers, all illuminated by sculptural lights showcasing large-scale animal and vibrant nature-themed wonders. Tickets start at $18, and free parking is included. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

A ceremony to turn on the lights during a sneak peek of L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow presented by The Angela Collier Foundation at the Los Angeles Zoo on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024. The event runs from Nov. 15, 2024, through Jan. 5, 2025, featuring lantern sculptures and lights, landscapes of alpine forests, rainforests, and rivers, all illuminated by sculptural lights showcasing large-scale animal and vibrant nature-themed wonders. Tickets start at $18, and free parking is included. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

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Parking is free and tickets start at $18 for children and $29 for adults.

The zoo will also feature photos with Santa and his sleigh, and giant holiday ornaments. Guests can buy beer, wine and spiked hot cocoa on Fridays and weekends.

Other events in December include:

Sensory-Inclusive Zoo Lights (Dec. 3): An evening designed with sensory-friendly accommodations, including reduced crowds, softer music, sensory bags available on a first-come, first-served basis, flexible reentry options, and additional features to enhance comfort for all guests.
Holiday Pajama Weekend (Dec. 6–8): During these nights, tickets start at $20, the Zoo welcomes guests to enjoy a family-friendly evening while wearing pajamas.
Pride Night (Dec. 11): Join the celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community with special activities, including an all-ages DJ dance party and a full cocktail bar for guests 21 and over. Attendees are encouraged to use the restroom facilities that align with their preferences.