A Review of the Oregon ZooLights Christmas Display and Train Ride

The ZooLights are open from November 24^th through December 30^th with close to a million sparkling lights on display.

The display features many animated light displays of popular zoo animals that appear on trains, on grassy area, along fences, and along zoo paths.

The popular zoo train runs during this event where you can see additional lighted animals only visible from within the train including some unexpected dinosaur displays.

My family recently visited the ZooLights and highly recommend a visit to anyone in the Portland area, particularly for families with children. However, to enjoy your visit to the fullest, I recommend you keep in mind the following:

1. The closer it gets to Christmas, the more crowded the event tends to be. You may have to wait in line for up to an hour to pay for your tickets. To avoid this lengthy delay, arrive early or choose to go on a weekday evening rather than a Friday or Saturday.

2. The Zoo can be very cold in the evenings, especially when the winds pick up. Be sure to bundle yourself and your children in layers. Pack gloves, hats, and warm clothes for every member of the family. Take extra blankets to tuck into strollers or wagons for the little ones. Bring Kleenex! If you expect rain, be sure to pack an umbrella.

3. Bring extra cash to purchase a cup of hot cocoa or a lighted toy for your child. The zoo is selling cups of hot cocoa with whipped cream for $2 each in various locations for cash only. A piping cup of cocoa will help ward off the chill of the evening.

4. Ride the train first. The line for the train can be very long with waits up to an hour on weekend evenings. I'd suggest riding the train before walking around the zoo to see the other lights. The train ride lasts approximately 15 minutes and can be very chilly so be sure to have your blankets handy. Strollers are not allowed on the train although there is a small stroller parking area available at the train depot.

5. Watch for special costumed creatures. During our visit, we encountered Rudolph, a tiger, and a cow.

6. Bring your camera!