✨ Zoolights Returns to Point Defiance November 27, and Tickets Are On Sale Now

Tacoma's favorite holiday tradition has a start date. Zoolights returns to Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium for its 39th year, running nightly from November 27 to January 3, 4:30 to 10 PM, and timed tickets are on sale now.

More than 1.5 million lights cover the zoo grounds. New this year, three of artist Thomas Dambo's giant trolls, Boge, Poppy, and Birch, are part of the walk after dark.

Your dog can come on certain nights. Dog Nights are December 1, 2, 8, 9, and 15 and January 3, with one ticket covering one dog and one adult. Scout Nights are November 30 and December 7, and a sensory-friendly night with adjusted lighting and quieter music is set for January 9.

Plan ahead. Every visit needs a timed online ticket, weeknights through December 13 are the cheapest, and popular dates sell out. Zoolights is closed December 24 and 25.

Details:

• When: November 27 to January 3, 4:30 to 10 PM nightly (closed December 24 and 25)

• Where: Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, 5400 N Pearl St, Tacoma

• Tickets: $16 Monday to Thursday through December 13, $22 weekends and every night from December 14, members half price, ages 2 and under free

• Dog Nights: from $31 for one dog and one adult, at pdza.org/zoolights

Real estate note: Point Defiance Park is one of Tacoma's best year-round amenities, and Zoolights is a big reason December feels so festive in the North End and Ruston. Living near a park like this is a perk buyers ask about.