National Zoo's 'ZooLights' Continues 'til Jan. 1

The holiday season is upon us and with it comes exciting events at the National Zoo!

Smithsonian’s National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, will host the Annual ZooLights every night from 5 to 9 p.m. until Jan. 1, excluding Dec. 24, 25, and 31.

Admission is free and attendees can purchase food while enjoying the animal illuminations. The event is open to all ages and train rides along with other activities will be available for purchase as well.

After seeing ZooLights brighten the sky, the Gin-GRR-Bread Contest challenges bakers to create a sugary habitat for the zoo’s one-year-old panda Bao Bao without using a gingerbread kit. Full rules and regulations are available online.

Participants must register online by 4 p.m. Nov. 21 and each team must have at least two people with a maximum of six. There is a $25 non-refundable entry fee for each team.

The three categories include:

• Family or Youth Team: Either all youths or a combination of adults and youths; youths count as anyone ages 17 and under
• Adult Team: All participants are ages 18 and over
• Adult Individual: The person working alone must be age 18 or over

Entries must be delivered to the National Zoo’s Visitor Center Auditorium noon to 4 p.m. Nov. 22 or 23.

The grand prize winner in each category will be announced Dec. 5 during ZooLights and awarded a keeper-led tour for six of the David M. Rubenstein Family Giant Panda Habitat. An honorable mention in each category will be made as well.

Visit Smithsonian’s National Zoo website for more information about ZooLights and the Gin-GRR-Bread Contest.