Every year, from the evening after Thanksgiving to January 3rd, the Oregon Zoo in Southwest Portland is transformed. From its usual showcase of creatures from around the world it shifts into a dazzling display of animals in lights. Many of them are in motion. It's a delight for all ages, from thrilled preschoolers to their grandparents.
Monkeys swing through trees, frogs leap, and penguins dive. A giraffe places a star atop a tree of lights and snakes coil in the bushes. More than 200 animated animals provide the action, jumping across lawns and hiding in shrubs. They often appear in unexpected places. Peacocks, elephants, and crocodiles are outlined in lights, and elegant swans grace the grounds.
Zoo Train Travels Through Animal Festival of Lights
Visitors enjoy traveling on foot through this jungle of lights, but many prefer the option of taking the decorated zoo train, led by a lighted sleigh. The Oregon is a steam locomotive that was built in 1959 for the Oregon Centennial celebration of statehood. It hearkens back to the trains of the 1800s, with its bright colors, polished brass fittings, and shiny brass bell. The steamer has a big headlight that shows hand-painted pictures of scenic Creater Lake on one side and Mount Hood, the highest peak in Oregon, on the other.
On this ride reminiscent of rail adventures of the past, zoo visitors travel through the Christmas display. The train ride is only about 15 minutes long, so it's easy to take both the ride and a walk afterward. The setting is perfect for photography, and souvenir photos are available for purchase. The gift shop is open. Hot drinks and snacks are also sold. Local musicians and dancers perform each night during the ZooLights display.
A Few Living Animals Are Seen on ZooLights Tour
Only part of the Oregon Zoo is open during ZooLights and only a few of the living animals are visible. Sea lions, sea otters, leopards, tigers, polar bears, elephants, and mountain goats, as well as farm animals, may be spotted.
Evenings can be chilly and wet in the Pacific Northwest and downright cold at the Oregon Zoo. It's advisable to dress warmly and bring hats, scarves, gloves, and umbrellas, and even a blanket or two. Those piping hot cups of cocoa sold on the site are always very welcome.
ZooLights is a popular holiday experience, and lines can be long to pay for tickets or get on the train. Going early, when the gates first open, and on a weekday evening rather than on the weekend can make the waiting time shorter.
ZooLights is closed December 24 and 25, otherwise open Sunday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday and Saturday 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Once inside, visitors may stay until one hour after the gate closes. There are discounts for seniors, children and groups, and those who take the MAX lightrail rather than drive get $1.50 off the admission fee. There is a MAX stop at the zoo.
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Marilyn McFarlane - Marilyn McFarlane is long-time freelance writer and editor with a focus on travel. She wrote a newspaper column for 9 years and has ...
