2023 LA Zoo Lights

I love Christmas, and I love the LA Zoo. So, what could be better than the 2023 LA Zoo Lights? I have attended this exquisite annual light show (as well as many others) for several years. I usually go early in the season. However, this year I was traveling quite a bit. When I realized that Christmas was three days away, I made a point to meet up with some friends in search of holiday spirit. Needless to say, I found it.

2023 LA Zoo Lights

The 2023 LA Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow, presented by U.S. Bank, the Los Angeles Zoo and the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association (GLAZA), did not disappoint. This year’s installation was the best so far, featuring three-dimensional glowing animals, interactive areas, and also massive light tunnels. I especially loved how the illuminated features were incorporated into the fauna of the park.

Glowing Animals

Vast scenes of animals with horticulture were set up across the zoo. Numerous colorful 3D birds were positioned inside large living trees as well. The star of the show was the super-sized otter. Families gathered here for a prime photo op with one of the zoo’s professional photographers. The pictures were available for purchase later in the evening as a memorable keepsake of the good times had. See below for a photo that our friends went home with.

These festive presentations featured an entire base of lights, arranged with the various animal groupings. I really liked the groves of holiday trees, created exclusively of lights (from trunks to branches with leaves). One display featured an extensive field of daisies with large shimmering butterflies that changed color. This was a crowd pleaser and great photo op for many.

Illuminated flowering cacti as well as with coyotes, giant spiders and owls created an entrancing dessert scene. Other environments, with large luminous landscape features were beautifully designed and spread throughout the zoo. These included polar bears, elephants, buffalos, big cats, large elk, bears, and a multitude of sea life.

Winter Wildlands

My favorite installation was the Winter Wildlands, which is new this year. As we walked through a tunnel with shimmering northern lights above, the colors all around us brought smiles to our faces. We all felt like little kids. The winter motif featured snow-loving animals wandering amongst a gorgeous array of blue, pink and green pine trees. The sparking stars above along with several happy snowmen were the perfect addition. The children seemed in awe of everything around them.

2023 LA Zoo Lights Design

The general design of this immersive light show was very well thought out as well. Additionally the detail and refinements in this 2023 rendition of Zoo Lights showed that the L.A. Zoo take pride in their creation. Smaller vignettes kept the crowd moving as we walked from one large installation to the next. Plus, there are plenty of places to take a snack break for the kids. Various eateries and carts were scattered about selling hot cocoa, churros…even cocktails for us grown ups.

The experience itself is massive, immersive and well worth the price of admission. The various light displays just kept appearing, as we moved through the grounds. Attendees dress up, and also wear all sorts of glowing accessories (plus many are for sale). Be sure to plan enough time to take in the entire extravaganza. If you are looking to celebrate the season, and find some holiday spirit, this is the place to be.

The annual LA Zoo Lights runs mid November through the first week of January. So, there is still time this year to head to the zoo on or before January 7, 2024. Parking is free. Visit the website for admission rates, times as well as additional information. Buy your tickets in advance, because some nights do sell out. Visit the website for admission rates, times and additional information. Los Angeles Zoo, 5333 Zoo Drive, LA, 90027; https://lazoo.org