L.A. Zoo Lights Return, With Some New Surprises (But Giving the Reindeer a Break) For 2019

We've made visiting the L.A. Zoo Lights an annual holiday tradition, and many of you have too. The Lights are back for 2019, and promises "the world's largest illuminated pop-up storybook and more light animals than ever before."

Among the highlights are the return of the Lights' disco ball forest, 3-D animations, a water-laser show and more. And then there's the extended "Twinkle Tunnel." Santa is also back, and the reptile lair is open to catch the creepy crawlers — but this year the reindeer have thankfully been given a break and aren't doing nighttime duty.

The L.A. Zoo Lights returned on Nov. 15 and will continue through Jan. 5 — with the exception of Christmas Eve and Christmas. Visit LAZooLights.org for more details, and tickets can be purchased at lazoo.com/eventperformances. Check out photos below:

L.A. Zoo Lights Returns for 2018 With an Expanded Twinkle Tunnel, a New Elephant Circle Display, and More

The L.A. Zoo Lights is always a reliable way to get into the holiday cheer, and although it's a relatively new tradition — this is its fifth year — it has become an annual staple for the Franklin Avenue family. (Check out last year's post here.) We returned for this year's visit on Friday night, and can report that it's perhaps more photo-friendly (and Instagrammable, natch) than ever.

The L.A. Zoo Lights has received several accolades since its launch; this year it's nominated in the USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers' Choice travel awards. Voting ends on Monday, December 10, so vote here to help our zoo out!

Entrance to the L.A. Zoo lights. More pics below.

A silhouette screen is a popular spot for pics. 

Most of the animals are tucked away for bed during L.A. zoo lights, but the reindeer are out for Santa.

The lighted and tumbling meerkats.

The illuminated elephants came with an L.A. theme this year.

Disco! It doesn't appear that KCRW is sponsoring this year's music, however, unlike past years. 

The Lair is the only animal area open during the L.A. Zoo Lights, and it's a chance to see snakes, turtles, fish, and more after hours.

The baby snakes creeped and delighted.

The water fountain show takes place every few minutes.

New this year: The Elephant Circle is transformed into a kaleidoscopic savanna with stained-glass animals – including the endangered California condor, Masai giraffe, Asian elephant, and more.

The popular twinkle tunnel has also been lengthened, although it comes with a wait when the zoo is crowded.

Performers at the end of the twinkle tunnel.

There are plenty of festive food and drinks (including cocktails!) available for purchase. L.A. Zoo Lights takes place through Sunday, January 6, 2019 (except December 24 and 25) from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Admission to L.A. Zoo Lights ranges from $14.95 to $21.95 for adults (13+) and $11.95 to $16.95 for children (2-12). Children under age 2 are free. Tickets for members of the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association are $11 during the entire run, which is up to 50 percent off.

L.A. Zoo Lights Is Back To Once Again Brighten Up The Holidays

The Los Angeles Zoo's L.A. Zoo Lights has become one of our favorite holiday traditions — on par with the Downtown On Ice skating rink at Pershing Square. It's back for a fourth year, enchanting nighttime guests through Jan. 7 (except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day).

This year's display brings back some favorites, such as the disco ball forest (with music by KCRW!), the water bottle frogs and the projection elephants. But much of this year's display is new, including an impressive reworked water show and a light-filled "twinkle tunnel."

This light show is much more enjoyable than the old DWP lights display that used to create a traffic nightmare in Griffith Park. The kids will appreciate it, while there are grown-up drink options (including the recently opened Golden Road Brewery stand) for the adults.

The L.A. Zoo notes that it landed USA Today's "10 Best Zoo Lights" honors in 2015 and 2016 – and is nominated again this year. Here are some images to show why:

The Blogger Kids as silhouettes

Live music

Reindeer

One of my favorite decorations every year, this large tree draped with green lights.

Spider web

Disco ball forest!

Improved, more elaborate water show this year.

Another favorite, the water bottle frogs.

The line for the "twinkle tunnel" is long, and on busy weekends can be a 20 minute wait -- but don't be discouraged; it's worth a look.

One word of warning: The carousel closes early, make sure you buy a ticket before 9:10 p.m. -- we just missed the cut-off, and had two sad Blogger Kids as a result.

L.A. Zoo Lights takes place 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. nightly through Jan. 7 (except Dec. 24 and 25). Tickets are $10 for L.A. Zoo members, and prices vary for non members: During "Value Nights" (weeknights the first two weeks of December), it's $14.95 for adults and $11.95 for kids. During "Prime Nights" -- most nights closer to the holidays -- the price is $19.95 for adults and $14.95. Santa is there on some nights; it's an additional fee for photos.