L.A. Zoo Lights returns for its fourth year for seven weeks from Friday, Nov. 17 through Sunday, Jan. 7. The holiday destination sets the zoo aglow with LED lights, a disco ball forest, glittering twinkle tunnel, 3-D animated projections and more.

Visitors can bask in the glow of thousands of LED lights during the annual L.A. Zoo Lights holiday event. (photo by Jamie Pham)

New features add to the nighttime holiday delight, including a musical holiday tree experience, a reimagined water show, a “North Pole” setting for Santa photos, glowing “Northern Lights” and a “Wild Wonderland” finale spotlighting endangered and vulnerable species.

An instant hit since its 2014 debut, L.A. Zoo Lights offers a self-guided 60- to 90-minute walking tour through the zoo. Visitors can also enjoy the only opportunity in L.A. to see a herd of reindeer in the “Reindeer Village” habitat.

L.A. Zoo Lights has attracted over 500,000 people – a vast number of whom consumed 10,000 gallons of steaming hot chocolate and 30,000 churros in 2016. The aforementioned goodies and other seasonal treats – including Smore’s Sundaes, handcrafted gourmet pizza slices, craft beer by Golden Road and sweet and savory pretzels with warm dipping sauces, and light-themed souvenirs – are available for purchase.

Photos with Santa on select dates are also available for an additional fee, and the zoo’s hand-crafted Tom Mankiewicz Conservation Carousel is open during L.A. Zoo Lights, with $3 per person on-site tickets.

From Nov. 17 to 22, L.A. Zoo Lights offers a “Preview Week” with $10 discounted admission for all ages, available online only. The zoo will also host exclusive holiday happy hours for guests ages 21 and older on Dec. 7 and 14, as well as a Family New Year’s Eve for all ages.

The Los Angeles Zoo is located on 5333 Zoo Drive. For information and tickets, visit LAZoolights.org or call (866)949-8007.