DC: Zoo Lights at the National Zoo

In DC, going to the National Zoo is completely free (except for paying for parking or the metro ride there). It is pretty popular, especially with runners and people who have kids, but we had only been once, with some friends back in 2010 when Eric was interviewing for jobs out here. At Christmastime, the Zoo gets lit up with  Zoo Lights, and I wanted to go see them.

If you have ever been to a lights display where you had to pay $10-20 to get in, and you are expecting the Zoo Lights to be similar to that, you may be disappointed. But, if you go in thinking that this thing is free, you will have a good time. So let go of any preconceived notions and just enjoy the lights.

It is actually really good for being free. There really are a lot of lights, but they are spread out a little more than some other lights displays I've seen. I failed to take pictures, but the coolest thing by far was a bunch of trees and other sculptures that were timed to music. We stood there for a good 10 minutes just watching the lights to different songs.

If you're in town at Christmastime, it's a fun, free thing to do on a weeknight (less people). We saw everyone from runners to young couples to parents with kids walking around. The have snack-type foods and drinks for sale, as well as light-up toys to keep the kids entertained as they walk around.