One timed Zoo Lights event ticket is required for each vehicle. When you buy tickets to the Zoo Lights Drive-Thru, you will select both a day and time you would like to visit. Tickets have arrival times to help with the flow of traffic.

Please plan to arrive at the main parking lot on the specified day and time on your ticket. You will not be permitted to enter the Zoo before or after your selected day and time.

While times may vary due to traffic, the estimated time to travel through the Zoo Lights Drive-Thru is around 30 minutes.

Tickets must be used on the selected evening, and are not transferrable. This is an all-weather, rain or shine, snow or sleet event. Tickets are non-refundable.

You will drive your own vehicle through the Zoo. Due to space limitations on the pathway from construction, no mini busses or passenger vans will be permitted. Vehicle size limited to 20 feet in length and 6 ½ feet width (example: a Ford F150 truck with crew cab). It is recommended for guests to drive their smallest vehicle due to the limited size of the pathways.

Guests are prohibited from exiting their vehicle at any time. All tailgates, doors/van doors, and hatchbacks must remain closed at all times. All guests in the vehicle must be able to be buckled with a seat belt, as guests will be on a public road between our parking lot and entrance to the Zoo.

During the drive-thru, smoking, alcohol, and pets are prohibited in the Zoo (with the exception of service animals).

Upon arrival at the Zoo or before leaving Zoo grounds, stop in our new Hospitality Area at our Admission Plaza, accessible via the parking lot.  Festive holiday food and glowing retail are available for purchase, and restrooms are available for all visitors.

A podcast of festive music will be available to enjoy while you drive through the Zoo. Check back soon!

Animals will not be visible in their public habitat during evening hours. To see all Zoo animals, you may also like to plan a daytime visit.

By purchasing, accepting, or using a ticket for the Zoo Lights Drive-Thru event, the ticket purchaser, ticket holder, driver, passengers, and all other occupants of the vehicle (collectively, “Participants”) acknowledge and voluntarily assume all risks associated with attendance and participation in the event, including but not limited to risks of personal injury, illness, death, property damage, vehicle damage, theft, loss, or other harm arising from any cause. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Participants release, waive, discharge, and covenant not to sue the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium and its officers, directors, employees, volunteers, agents, representatives, contractors, affiliates, successors, and assigns (collectively, the “Released Parties”) from any and all claims, demands, causes of action, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, or expenses, whether known or unknown, arising out of or related to participation in the Zoo Lights Drive-Thru event, including claims arising from the alleged negligence of any Released Party. Participants acknowledge that they have read, understand, and agree to comply with all event rules, instructions, and safety requirements prior to purchasing a ticket and while attending the event. Failure to follow event rules or instructions may result in removal from the event without refund, denial of future admission, involvement of law enforcement when appropriate, and may increase the risk of injury, death, property damage, or other loss. By purchasing, accepting, or using a ticket, the purchaser represents that they have the authority to accept these terms on behalf of all occupants of the vehicle and agree that all Participants are bound by these terms and conditions.