Phoenix Zoo Holding Drive-Thru ZooLights During The Holidays

PHOENIX — A holiday staple in the Valley, ZooLights might look a little different this year at the Phoenix Zoo thanks to the coronavirus.

While guests will still be able to walk through to see the lights, sculptures and, of course, the animals, the zoo is offering a new drive-thru option amid the pandemic. Inspired by the 'Cruise the Zoo' events the zoo held over the summer, the new option will ensure guests are able to take part in the event from the comforts of their cars and allow for social distancing.

"The Valley’s most cherished holiday tradition is back with millions of twinkling lights, dazzling animal sculptures and our Wildlife Lantern Safari, featuring 66 creatures — polar bears, mammoths, peacocks and more, all aglow," the zoo announced on its website.

A small team at the zoo is expanding the walking trails and make 2020's ZooLights experience bigger and better than ever.

The event will run from Nov.7 to – Jan.31, 2021 from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. Tickets go on sale Oct. 1. The drive-thru option will be offered only on select days.

Proceeds from ZooLights will go to the Arizona Center for Nature Conservation/ Phoenix Zoo to help offset the losses sustained during the pandemic, which forced the zoo to close while continuing to care for the animals. It reopened to the general public on Sept. 19.