The Zoo Lights event at Oregon Zoo in Portland is a family favorite every year. For 2020, visitors will view the twinkling lights and charming light features from their cars in a new, drive-through experience. Take a look:
The Oregon Zoo is the oldest zoo west of the Mississippi, and a visit during the holiday season is a long-standing tradition for many Oregon families.
The zoo comes alive every December with 1.5 million twinkling lights at the Zoo Lights event. For the 2020 season, visitors will make their way through the zoo in their cars.
The winding loop trail starts at the zoo's front gates. You can pre-order snacks and pick them up before you start your Zoo Lights tour. Turn your headlights off, and just leave your parking lights on for the best and brightest holiday light experience.
Then, make your way past 11 different displays. You'll drive past Fantasy Lane, the Seaside Mural, and the Rainforest Mural...
...and everyone loves the trip through the Galactic Tunnel! Other displays include the Insect Garden, Swimming Penguins, Under the Ice, Gorilla Group, Beneath the Sea, Glowing Grove, and Light Tree Lane.
Check out the whimsical creatures that represent the many zoo animals who live here. You'll see hippos, alligators, swans, beavers, and more.
The entire tour takes about 25 minutes, but you'll want to allow an additional half hour or so to queue up and await your turn to enter.
Check out this video posted by Oregon Zoo on YouTube that shows you even more highlights:
This year's Zoo Lights event runs from November 22nd through January 10th. Tickets must be purchased in advance online, and they're available on a rolling seven-day basis. Zoo members receive a 25 percent discount!
Visit the Oregon Zoo website to reserve your tickets, and make sure to pop over to the zoo's Facebook page to see what's new there this week.
Looking for more ways to enjoy the winter season? Try the tubing at Mt. Hood Skibowl!
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