ZooLights Might Still Take Place This Year as a Drive-Thru

Starting Nov. 23, the Oregon Zoo will be decked out with holiday- and zoology-themed light installations.

Visitors drive through ZooLights at the Oregon Zoo. ©Oregon Zoo/ photo by Michael Durham
By Shannon Gormley

Peacock Lane isn't putting up lights this year. Health officials are recommending that Oregonians celebrate Thanksgiving over Zoom.

But the holidays aren't totally canceled.

Portlanders can still partake in at least one long-standing city tradition—ZooLights is still happening this year. Starting Nov. 23, the Oregon Zoo will be decked out with holiday- and zoology-themed light installations.

There will, of course, be some changes to the annual event. This year's iteration will be drive-thru only.

Last week, the zoo announced both a drive-thru and a walk-thru option. But the following day, Gov. Kate Brown announced a two-week "freeze" on public gatherings, under which the zoo's foot traffic plans are not permitted.

A spokesperson told WW that the zoo has yet to receive official approval for the new, drive-thru-only plans but expects to receive confirmation shortly.

In the meantime, tickets are already available.

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