Skip to Content
Nov 7: The Zoo will be closing early at 3pm, with last entry at 2pm for our annual Zoo Ball event.
Calendar

TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights

Step into a world where wildlife comes to light. Celebrate the holiday season in the heart of Houston at Zoo Lights!

November 19, 2026 – January 3, 2027

BUY ZOO LIGHTS TICKETS
Presented by

TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights Event Details

Lighting the Way for Wildlife

Date: November 19, 2026 – January 3, 2027 (Houston Zoo is closed on December 9 and Christmas Eve)
Time: 5:30 – 10:30 p.m., last entry at 9:30 p.m.

Your favorite Houston holiday tradition is back! This holiday season, step into a world where wildlife comes to light. Every path and light reveals wonder, guides every journey, and brings us closer to wildlife and to the brighter future we can build together.

Gather your family and friends. Come experience the wild in a whole new light. Together, let’s light the way for wildlife.

BUY ZOO LIGHTS TICKETS

NEW at Zoo Lights

Wander through dazzling animal light displays, explore illuminated oceans and create unforgettable holiday memories while helping Houston Zoo light the way for wildlife.

Enjoy a safari experience of animal lanterns at Gateway to Wonder, snap picture-perfect photos with 100-year-old oak trees wrapped in dazzling lights at Celestial Flight presented by TXU Energy, explore immersive displays at Candy Cane Lane, sip hot chocolate by cozy s’mores stations at Campfire Canyon, and experience snow in Houston every night in the Frosted Forest presented by Houston Methodist.

Your holiday favorites are also returning. There’s more holiday magic to discover! Join us at Zoo Lights and experience the wild in a whole new light.

BUY ZOO LIGHTS TICKETS

MAKE THE SEASON MORE MEMORABLE WITH NEW ZOO LIGHTS EXPERIENCES

Wine Fest - 21+ event

Friday, November 20
5:30-10:30 p.m.

Join us for Wine Fest at TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights. Sip your way through wine tastings all evening, get into the holiday spirit with live music, and make memories with your favorite people at our 21+ event.

CELEBRATE AT WINE FEST

zebra animal lantern

Christmas Night at the Zoo

Friday, December 25
5:30-10:30 p.m.

For the first time, the Houston Zoo will open for Zoo Lights on Christmas Day. After the presents are opened and the day’s celebrations wind down, gather your family, and keep the holiday glowing with an evening at Zoo Lights.

First 2,000 guests through the gate will receive a free ornament, and first 1,500 guests through the gate will receive free Zoo Lights HoloSpex® glasses on Christmas night.

 

 

Happy Hour

Every Thursday until 7:00 p.m. at The Merry Mixer 

Make Thursday nights a little merrier with 50% off specialty cocktails at The Merry Mixer (Savannah Cafe) until 7 p.m. Sip festive favorites like Grinchmas Punch, Santa Sleigh, Campfire Mule, Elf off the Clock, and Mistletoe Margarita while enjoying Zoo Lights.

 

Fridays for Wildlife

Every Friday through Dec. 25

Discover the wildlife stories behind the lights. The first 2,000 guests will take home a limited-edition animal-themed ornament celebrating a featured Houston Zoo animal and the conservation work it represents.  

HOUSTON, JOIN US FOR COMMUNITY APPRECIATION WEEK!

Seniors (65+) enjoy free Zoo Lights admission, plus 20% off each additional ticket for accompanying family members. You deserve a little holiday magic!

You show up for our community every day and we love to celebrate you! First Responders get to enjoy a free Zoo Lights ticket, plus 20% off tickets for your accompanying family members. Thank you for all you do!

We’re celebrating you and honoring your service! Our Service Members receive free Zoo Lights ticket, plus 20% off tickets for your accompanying family members. We’re grateful to celebrate the season with you!

College life deserves a little holiday fun! Grab your friends, enjoy 20% off Zoo Lights tickets. and make it a night to remember at Zoo Lights College Night.

You inspire, encourage, and make a difference every day. It’s our turn to celebrate you! Enjoy a free Zoo Lights ticket, plus 20% off tickets for your accompanying family members.

Member Preview Nights

November 17 and 18
5:30-10:30 p.m.

Get a sneak peek of what’s new at Zoo Lights during Member Preview Nights. Tickets are only $14.95 per person, per night.

GET EARLY ACCESS

Not a Zoo member? Become a Houston Zoo member and enjoy 12 months of Zoo admission, exclusive member perks, and discounts on Zoo Lights tickets throughout the season.

BECOME A HOUSTON ZOO MEMBER

Perform with Your Choir at Zoo Lights

Houston Zoo invites school and community choirs to perform during Zoo Lights.

Group Capacity
Performances are available for choirs with up to 40 performers

Ticket pricing

LEARN MORE

Zoo Lights Frequently Asked Questions

Will I be able to see animals during TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights?

During Zoo Lights, the main attraction is enjoying our brighter light path and animal-themed displays. To see our animals, visit Houston Zoo during the day. 

What time does Zoo Lights open? Is it timed entry for TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights?

Entry to TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights is only allowed on the selected date of your ticket purchase. Ticket holders can enter any time after your ticket’s listed arrival time. You are welcome to enjoy Zoo Lights until we close at 10:30 p.m. Please note that Zoo Lights hours are 5:30-10:30 p.m., with last entry at 9:30 p.m.

Are there special discounts for Military, First Responders, or Educators? Do I need to buy a separate ticket for a child?

Military, first responders (firefighters, police, and EMT), and educators are all eligible for 10% off admission throughout the Zoo Lights season. We will also celebrate Houston Community Week where our educators, military, first responders, seniors get free Zoo Lights admission and additional tickets at 20% off from December 14-18.

An ID will be required at entry for discount verification. Limit up to 5 tickets.

Children ages two and under are free. You will need to buy a separate ticket for children three and older.

What food and drink options will be available?

Along the Zoo Lights path, you’ll encounter plenty of yummy holiday treats including hot chocolate, s’mores, and churro fries! Multiple food locations will be available, including Savannah Cafe, Jack’s Cafe and Cypress Circle Café during Zoo Lights hours.

Is there a Sensory Inclusive Night?

Yes, Sensory Inclusive Night is on Monday, November 30. During this night, we will lower the music volume and limit flashing lights across the Zoo.

The Houston Zoo is a Certified Autism Center™ through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). This certification recognizes our commitment to providing an inclusive and welcoming experience for guests of all abilities.

As a Certified Autism Center, our staff has undergone specialized training to better understand and accommodate the needs of individuals on the autism spectrum. We will offer quiet spaces and enhanced support to ensure that every family can enjoy a memorable visit.

Where should I park?

Our main entrance is at 6200 Hermann Park Drive, Houston, Texas 77030. The Zoo’s Medical Center entrance will not be open, so be sure to go to the main entrance for entry. The Houston Zoo does not have its own parking lot; free parking lots in Hermann Park are outside the Zoo, but parking can fill up quickly. View more parking options. 

Will stroller and scooter rentals be available?

Yes, stroller and scooter rentals will be available during Zoo Lights. Rentals may be paid via credit card only.

What if I need to cancel prior to the event? What if it rains?

All payments are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Zoo Lights is rain or shine.

What are some things to do in Houston for Christmas and the holiday season?

Experience Houston’s holiday season through Christmas events, activities, and light displays – Zoo Lights!  Zoo Lights offers an evening experience where families, friends, and visitors can gather together at the Houston Zoo.

What are some Christmas activities for kids in Houston?

Bring the kids to Zoo Lights at Houston Zoo to explore illuminated landscapes, discover wildlife-inspired displays, and experience the Zoo after dark together. You can experience the best Christmas lights activities in Houston at Zoo Lights.

What are some family holiday activities in Houston?

Explore Houston’s holiday season with family activities, seasonal events and light displays at Houston Zoo. At Zoo Lights, families can experience wildlife and holiday lights together.

Who should I contact if I have any other questions?

If you have any questions, please email group.reservations@houstonzoo.org.

Presenting Sponsor

txu energy logo

Lead Sponsors

Supporting Partners

Close
Close Gate Map