Lights Before Christmas

Presented by KeyBank

Nov. 22 — Dec. 31, 2024
Mon – Thu open 3-8 p.m., Zoo closes at 9 p.m.
Fri – Sun open 3-9 p.m., Zoo closes at 10 p.m.

During Lights, the Zoo will open at 3 p.m. daily.

Member reservations and Non-Member reservations/Timed Admission Tickets are required for guaranteed admission.

Select your visit date and arrival time. The time you choose determines your visit start time. Once you enter Lights Before Christmas, you may stay until close.

Know Before You Go Guidelines

  • Know our current operating hours. During Lights Before Christmas, the Zoo will open at 3 p.m. daily. Monday through Thursday, Zoo closes at 9 p.m. and Friday through Sunday Zoo closes at 10 p.m.
  • Make Member/Non-Member reservations and Timed Admission Tickets for guaranteed admission online.
  • Get your Member reservations and Timed Admission Tickets ready. Be ready with your Member reservations and Timed Admission Tickets. Make every effort to arrive at your designated reservation time. Earlier or later arrivals may not be accommodated.
  • Outside food and beverage is not permitted. Medical items and baby formula are permitted. Free cups of water are available at all open concession stands.
  • Rentals of mobility devices. A limited number of wheelchairs, strollers, wagons, and motorized scooters are available to rent at Bear Essentials.
  • Take photos and videos for non-commercial purposes and share them on social media: @ToledoZoo on Twitter and Instagram, and facebook.com/TheToledoZoo
  • Once tickets are purchased, they are non-refundable. Lights tickets can be transferred to another date or time for a visit to the Lights or to general Zoo admission in 2025. Please call 419-385-5721 ext. 6000 or email reservations@toledozoo.org to transfer.

Hey Members!!

How do individuals with Military ID make a reservation and receive free admission?

  • Military individuals, both Veteran and Active Duty, do not need reservations. They can present their military ID or proof of military service at the admission gates for entry any date and time that the Zoo is open. We do ask that other non-military guests in the group make a reservation for a specific date and time for their Zoo visit.

I have Zoo tickets already. How do I make a reservation?

  • Guests who have existing Zoo tickets do not need to make a reservation for a visit to the Lights show. You can arrive at any date and time that the Zoo is open and present the tickets at the admission gate for entry.

Dates available for reservation

Dates are released on a one-week rolling basis. If the date you are interested is not listed, please check back one week in advance.


Saturday 12/07/2024

Arrival Time

  • 3:00 PM - Tickets Remaining: 638
  • 4:00 PM - Tickets Remaining: 307
  • 5:00 PM - Sold Out
  • 6:00 PM - Sold Out
  • 7:00 PM - Tickets Remaining: 809
  • 8:00 PM - Tickets Remaining: 1448

Sunday 12/08/2024

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Monday 12/09/2024

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Tuesday 12/10/2024

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Wednesday 12/11/2024

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Thursday 12/12/2024

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Friday 12/13/2024

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Toledo Zoo and Aquarium
2 Hippo Way, Toledo, Ohio 43614
Main Line: 419-385-5721  •  Information Line: 419-385-4040