ZooLights at Stone Zoo 2026: Dates, Hours and What to Know Before You Go
ZooLights at Stone Zoo is a walk-through holiday light display at Stone Zoo in Stoneham, Massachusetts. You stroll tree-lined paths lit with thousands of LED lights, and the zoo's rides run each night. It's run by Zoo New England, which also operates Franklin Park Zoo.
Here's what you need to know for the 2026 season.
The essentials
- Dates: November 20, 2026 through January 3, 2027
- Hours: 4–9
- Closed: Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day
- Where: Stone Zoo, 149 Pond Street, Stoneham, MA 02180
- Tickets: required for every guest; children under 2 are free
- Parking: free, in the lot in front of the entrance
A note on the dates
Zoo New England's ZooLights page lists the season as "November 20 – January 3" without a year. The zoo's hours page and its Hot Chocolate with the Reindeer schedule both line up with the 2026–27 season, so we're treating these as the 2026 dates. It's worth a quick check of the official ZooLights page before you go.
What's new this year
The zoo says this year's displays include a transformed Yukon Creek, set up as a candy-themed winter wonderland, with a festive model train set to look for as you walk through. The lights are energy-saving LEDs.
Rides and extras
- Rides: the Carousel, Jungle Fun and VR rides run each night during ZooLights, including a limited-time "Elf Power" VR experience. Rides depend on weather and staffing; call Stone Zoo Guest Services at 781-438-6321 to check.
- Hot Chocolate with the Reindeer: a 3–4 session on select December dates, Wednesday through Sunday: December 2–6, 9–13 and 16–23. You get hot chocolate, cookies, candy canes and reindeer antlers, and you meet Holly and Aoife, the zoo's resident reindeer. Advance online tickets are required, and your registration includes ZooLights entry at 4pm. The zoo lists tickets as coming soon.
- Visit with Santa: the zoo says dates and details are coming soon.
- Holiday parties: the Holiday Pavilion can be booked for group gatherings during ZooLights.
Tickets
Every guest needs a ticket, and children under 2 get in free. As of late September 2026, Zoo New England had not posted individual ZooLights ticket prices on its website. Check the ZooLights page for current prices and to buy.
A few things the zoo has posted:
- Groups of 20 or more pay $12 per person, excluding Saturdays and Thanksgiving weekend. You need to submit a group reservation request, and payment is due when you arrive. Call 617-379-5151 or email groups@zoonewengland.org with questions.
- Library passes are for daytime admission only and can't be used for ZooLights.
Parking, accessibility and pets
Parking at Stone Zoo is free. The lot is directly in front of the entrance, off Pond Street, and accessible parking spaces are in that lot. Strollers ($5 single, $7 double) and a limited number of wheelchairs can be rented at the admissions booth with a photo ID; to reserve a wheelchair, call the Guest Services Supervisor at 781-438-6321, weekdays 9am to 5pm. You're welcome to bring your own stroller or wagon.
Pets are not allowed on zoo grounds. Trained service dogs are welcome.
Q: When is ZooLights at Stone Zoo in 2026?
ZooLights runs November 20, 2026 through January 3, 2027, from 4
to 9. It is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.Q: How much are ZooLights tickets?
Zoo New England had not posted individual ZooLights prices as of late September 2026. Tickets are required for everyone except children under 2, and groups of 20 or more pay $12 per person except on Saturdays and Thanksgiving weekend.
Q: Is parking free at Stone Zoo for ZooLights?
Yes. Parking at Stone Zoo is free, in the lot directly in front of the entrance off Pond Street.
Q: Can I use a library pass for ZooLights?
No. Zoo New England says library passes are valid for daytime admission only and can't be used for the evening ZooLights event.
More holiday outings in Massachusetts
- Bright Nights at Forest Park — Springfield, November 25 – January 3
- SoWa Christmas Market — Boston, November 20 – December 27
- Snowport Holiday Market — Boston, November 6 – December 27
- La Salette Christmas Festival of Lights — Attleboro, November 21 – January 3
- Salem Holiday Market — Salem, December 20
Check each listing for hours and admission before you go.
Related reading
- Holiday Craft Fairs & Christmas Markets in Massachusetts 2026
- New England Holiday Light Shows 2026
- Snowport Holiday Market 2026: What to Know Before You Visit
- Massachusetts Fairs and Festivals in 2026: Your Complete Guide
- Craft Fairs in Massachusetts 2026: A Vendor's and Visitor's Guide
- New England Christmas Festival 2026 at Mohegan Sun
Details in this guide come from Zoo New England's website as of late September 2026. Confirm dates, hours and ticket prices on the official site before you go.
Last updated: September 2026
