Portland, Ore. – The Oregon Zoo’s beloved ZooLights holiday festival returns on November 20, presented by U.S. Bank. This year’s celebration adds fresh installations that honor the Oregon Coast’s marine life, including otters, seals, sea lions, urchins, sea stars and crabs.
New and classic displays light up the zoo
Visitors will wander through shimmering life‑size animal silhouettes, glittering forests of lighted trees, and an illuminated train ride. In the central plaza, panels showcase conservation work for California condors, northwestern pond turtles and Oregon silverspot butterflies. Along the train route, glowing lanterns depict flamingos, beavers, bears and elephants.
BrewLights offers adult‑only craft tasting
Before the main event, the zoo hosts BrewLights on November 13‑14, a 21‑and‑older gathering that pairs live music with more than 100 local beers, seltzers and ciders from roughly 50 Northwest vendors. Attendees can stroll among millions of lights while sampling the region’s brews.
Free transit for ticket holders
Zoo events director Jamie Inglis notes that the festival is largely produced by zoo staff, adding a local‑community feel. In partnership with TriMet, all ZooLights and BrewLights ticket holders receive complimentary public‑transit access; the ticket doubles as a MAX light‑rail pass for the day of admission.
Tickets must be reserved online in advance. Zoo members enjoy a 20% discount on ZooLights tickets and an exclusive preview night on November 15. Purchase tickets at oregonzoo.org/lights.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
