Your Guide to a Stress-Free Visit to ZooLights

The holiday season is here, and that means it’s time to make magical memories with friends and family at ZooLights! This beloved Portland, Oregon tradition transforms the Oregon Zoo into a dazzling winter wonderland, drawing visitors to experience millions of sparkling lights. The popularity of this event can make parking and navigating busy roads extremely challenging. Here’s how you can make your visit to ZooLights stress-free, enjoyable, and even a little more eco-friendly!

1 – Avoid Parking-Panic 

With thousands of visitors flocking to ZooLights, parking fills early (and it’s not included with admission). Luckily, there are several convenient ways to reach the Oregon Zoo without the hassle of finding a parking spot.

• Take the TriMet MAX Light Rail: The MAX Blue and Red lines both stop right at Washington Park station, which is just steps from the Oregon Zoo entrance. If you’re coming from the west side, you can drive to the Sunset Transit Center, located off Highway 26, just a few minutes from the Zoo, and park in the free garage—it has 600+ free spaces! Board the eastbound Blue or Red Line MAX train and ride it one stop to Washington Park Station. It’s a comfortable and speedy way to travel, and you’ll avoid the stress of parking altogether.
• Rideshare: If you live nearby or prefer a quick drop-off, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are an easy way to bypass parking altogether. Designated drop-off and pick-up zones are located right in front of the Oregon Zoo Education Center. Taking TriMet might be a better option for families who want to save money and live farther  from the Zoo.

2 – Plan Your Visit During Off-Peak Times

Peak times for ZooLights are typically weekend evenings and holiday breaks. For a less crowded experience, consider visiting on a weekday or arriving early in the evening as soon as ZooLights opens. Not only will you avoid the biggest crowds, but you’ll also have more time to explore brand new and familiar favorite light displays at your own pace.

3 – Carpool with Family and Friends

If you prefer to drive, consider carpooling with family or friends. Not only does carpooling reduce the number of cars vying for limited parking spots, but it’s also a great way to start the evening on a festive note by sharing the ride with loved ones. With fewer cars on the road, you’ll be doing your part to reduce emissions and support the zoo’s commitment to sustainability. Carpooling is also a great way to engage in an old holiday tradition: carpool karaoke! (Think Clark Griswold.)

4 – Park in Our Free Offsite Overflow Lot

This is a highly underrated trip tip for drivers who simply must drive to ZooLights. Save time and money by parking in Explore Washington Park’s free offsite overflow parking lot on Westgate Drive!

• Park and Save: Paid onsite parking at the Oregon Zoo is not included with admission to ZooLights. Parking in the offsite lot is absolutely free!
• Free Bus Service: Starting at 4:30 pm, park in the offsite parking lot on 5319 SW Westgate Drive and take a quick, free bus directly to ZooLights. The bus is even available 30 minutes after ZooLights closes for the night to make sure every visitor can easily make it back to their vehicle! Offsite overflow parking is only open and available when the main paid Oregon Zoo lots are full. Be sure to allow a few extra minutes for travel time, and make sure you’re prepared to wait outdoors for buses if you’re able to take advantage of this free offsite parking lot.

Ready for ZooLights? Let’s Go!

ZooLights at the Oregon Zoo is an unforgettable holiday experience for all ages. By planning your trip with these transportation tips, you can avoid the stress of parking and focus on what matters most—creating magical holiday memories with family and friends. Check out our complete Getting to ZooLights guide for all the travel information you’ll need, and visit the Oregon Zoo’s website for up-to-date information on tickets, hours, and events. We can’t wait for you to incorporate some of these tips into your overall ZooLights experience so you can have even more holiday fun with loved ones this year!

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