ZooLights

New this year: Plan-Ahead Pricing!

Non-Member Tickets Member Tickets

Tickets are required for children age two and older; children under age two are free.

What is Plan-Ahead Pricing?

With Plan-Ahead Pricing, guests have the opportunity to pick the date and time that works best with their schedule and budget. The further in advance you purchase tickets, the more you’re likely to save! Plan-Ahead Pricing helps make Zoo New England more accessible to a range of audiences who can connect with the natural world through meaningful experiences that engage, educate and inspire the next generation of conservation stewards.

How does it work?

When you click the purple "Tickets" button, you’ll see available dates/times and the respective ticket prices. Each day’s prices are determined by a number of factors, including attendance patterns, popular holidays/events, day of the week and weather.

Are these the final prices or it is possible for the price to go down?

The current price listed online will always be the most affordable option for the selected date. It is possible that the price may increase over time.

What are Family 4 Packs?

A Family 4 Pack offers discounted admission for parties of four, ages two and up.

Can I still buy tickets at the gate?

Buying tickets online in advance saves you time and money. If available, tickets will be sold at the gate.

How far ahead do I need to purchase tickets in order to save?

We recommend buying tickets online at least 24-hours in advance. An advance purchase online ticket offers the lowest price for the date of your visit.

If I have already purchased tickets, can I visit on another day?

All ticket sales are final. Please make sure you are able to attend your reserved slot at time of purchase.

Are EBT/WIC discounts available?

EBT/WIC tickets must be purchased onsite and cannot be purchased online. Cardholders receive discounted, $7 admission per ticket for up to four tickets. If there are more than four people aged two or older in your group, they will need to buy a full-price ticket. Please be ready to present your EBT card at the admissions booth with your tickets upon arrival.  Offer only valid for Massachusetts residents. Limited quantities are available. If you have questions, please call 617-989-2076 and our staff will be happy to assist you. 

Are reservations required for entry to the Zoo?

Yes, reservations are required for both members and non-members. With Plan-Ahead Pricing, you have the opportunity to pick the date and time that works best with your schedule and budget. 

I can't find my pre-purchased tickets in my email.

Use the "order lookup" function in the menu of our ticketing site for access to your tickets, or use your email platform's "search" function to search for Zoo New England. You will need to provide the email address and phone number used during purchase.

If I visit during the day, can I stay for ZooLights?

No, each day during ZooLights, the Zoo will close at 3:00 p.m., and re-open at 4:00 p.m. for the event. Guests will be asked to exit when the Zoo closes at 3:00 p.m. so staff can fully clean and prep for the evening event. Guests are welcome to return for ZooLights at 4:00 p.m., and will need to purchase separate tickets for the event.

Will you accept cash as payment?

• Tickets must be purchased ahead of time online. We accept all major credit and debit cards.
• If you need to use cash to purchase a ticket, please call ahead of time at 617-989-2076.
• Cash will be accepted at all of our concession and gift locations.

Are EBT/WIC discounts available?

EBT/WIC tickets must be purchased onsite and cannot be purchased online. Cardholders receive discounted, $7 admission per ticket for up to four tickets. If there are more than four people aged two or older in your group, they will need to buy a full-price ticket. Please be ready to present your EBT card at the admissions booth with your tickets upon arrival.  Offer only valid for Massachusetts residents. Limited quantities are available. If you have questions, please call 617-989-2076 and our staff will be happy to assist you. 

Are Reciprocal/Military/Teacher discounts available?

Reciprocal/Military/Teacher discounts are not available for ZooLights.

Are library passes being honored?

No, library passes will not be honored for ZooLights. Guests who would like to visit during the day may use library passes.

What if I am late for my reserved time slot?

Capacity within time slots is limited. We ask that all guests make every effort to arrive on time. If you have a concern please call 617-989-2076.

What if I make a reservation and I'm unable to attend at the date/time I selected?

In order for a timed reservation system to work as best as possible, please make sure you are able to attend your reserved slot at time of purchase.

I bought the wrong tickets/timeslot. Can this be fixed?

All ticket sales are final. Due to capacity limits, we cannot reschedule or refund tickets.

Can I reserve tickets for a group?

Groups of 10 people or more are eligible to receive discounts to ZooLights. Reservations must be requested a minimum of two weeks in advance of your desired visitation date, and are based on availability. Payment must be made in advance in order to complete your reservation. Request a group reservation.

After I purchase my reservation and enter the Zoo, will my time be limited or restricted?

Each timed reservation group should have more than enough time to enjoy ZooLights, however it's important to note that most Zoo pathways will be set in a one-way direction. ZooLights closes at 9:30 p.m.

Is there a fee to park?

No, parking is free in our nearby lots.

Will I have to wait in line to enter the Zoo?

If you arrive early for your designated time slot, please wait in your vehicle until 5 minutes before your time slot.

Can I buy ZooLights tickets before my visit?

Yes. Tickets must be reserved online before your visit. You can reserve your tickets for a specific date and time. To make the check-in process as fast as possible, please have your barcoded tickets displayed on your phone.

Are you open if it's raining or snowing?

Yes! All tickets are rain-or-shine, and we don't offer refunds, rainchecks or rescheduling. We encourage you to dress accordingly, or check out our gift shop for rain gear during your visit. In the event of severe weather, updates will be made here on our website and on social media.

Will Santa be at ZooLights?

While Santa will be too busy at the North Pole to attend ZooLights this year, visitors of all ages will delight in a wide range of light displays sure to get everyone in the holiday spirit. Be sure to meet Mrs. Claus as she spreads holiday cheer through the Zoo every Wednesday, from Nov. 30 - Dec. 21, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Will the rides be open?

Yes, the carousel and Jungle Fun ride are open nightly from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. Price: $4.00 per child, 2 Ride tickets for $7.00 (credit card & cash accepted). Please note: rides are weather and staff dependent. Contact Guest Services at 781-438-6321 in advance to check for availability.

How long does it take to enjoy the event?

The average ZooLights visit lasts from 1 - 1.5 hours, but can vary greatly depending on walking speed, rest breaks, etc. The Zoo is approximately 24 acres in size (please note, some exhibits are not available during ZooLights).

Will the animals be on exhibit?

Many (not all) of our animals will be on exhibit. In Yukon Creek, you can see black bears, Canada lynx, arctic foxes, and even reindeer! Please note: For the animals' health, safety and well-being, some animals may not be on exhibit due to weather, exhibit work, or veterinary care.

Will strollers or wheelchair be available for rental?

Yes, we will have single strollers available for a $5 rental fee, and double strollers available for a $7 rental fee. A limited number of standard wheelchairs are a $5 rental fee.

Will the bathrooms be open?

Yes, some bathrooms will be available. 

Will food be available for purchase?

Yes, snacks and drinks are always available in the Yukon Creek Cafe and Trading Post Gift Shop.

Can I fly a drone in the Zoo?

For the safety of our animals, drones are not allowed on Zoo grounds.

Can I bring my pet?

Pets are not allowed on Zoo grounds to protect the health and safety of our animals and your pets. Fully trained service dogs trained to perform specific tasks are allowed. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, a service animal is defined as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. The task(s) performed by the dog must be directly related to the person's disability.

Host your festive gathering in our Holiday Pavilion, where guests can mix, mingle and be merry amid a wonderland of lights!

Just steps from your heated pavilion, gather by the campfire to raise a toast to the season with delicious s’mores. We'll work with you to customize every detail of your event, complete with all the trimmings! 

ZooLights Package:

Monday - Wednesday: $3,600
Thursday - Sunday: $4,500
Recommended event timeframe is 4:00 to 6:30 p.m.

• Enclosed heated and festively-decorated Holiday Pavilion tent with fire pits and heating towers outside of the tent
  (Capacity: 50 seated - up to 100 standing)
• 2.5 hour rental
• Picnic tables with festive holiday table covers and catering banquet tables with linen
• ZooLights admission for 50 guests

Add-On Options

• A caricature artist or face painter make colorful additions to every party: $200/hour
• Strike a pose in your very own photo-booth, and make moments last a lifetime: $550 for 2.5 hours

Catering
Please contact us for catering options.

Contact Us

Event Information Request Form

For more information, contact the Events & Celebrations department:

Zoo New England
1 Franklin Park Zoo
Boston, MA 02121
Phone: 617-989-2009
Fax: 617-989-2025
Email: rentals@zoonewengland.org

Brighten your birthday with a rustic "Bear Den" party at ZooLights!

Party times:
November 18 to January 8
Nightly between 4:00 - 5:15 p.m.
(Guests will explore ZooLights after their event ends at 5:15 p.m.)

Make a Reservation

• 1 hour and 15 minutes heated outdoor tent rental (Maple Glen Tent)
• Rustic, black bear holiday-themed decorations for 16 children
• Themed plastic tablecloths for all tables
• 16 themed plates, napkins, and forks for children
• Themed centerpieces
• 16 bear headbands
• 16 bear plushies for children
• 32 Admission tickets

Rates:

Non-member: $1,200 | Member: $1,100
Your package includes admission entrance to ZooLights for 32 people. Additional fees will apply for additional guests.

Zoo New England offers a unique gift for everyone on your holiday list, and with each purchase you'll be supporting our Zoos! Wild gift options include:

• Behind-the-Scenes Tour gift certificate
• Gift Memberships
• Wild Shoutout
• And more!