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Sat, Oct. 19: The Zoo will be closing early at 3pm, with last entry at 2pm for a private event.
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TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights

‘Tis the season for Houston’s Favorite Holiday Event!

November 22, 2024 - January 5, 2025

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Event Details

Enjoy the magic of the holiday season at Houston’s favorite holiday lights experience, TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights at Houston Zoo! The spectacular Zoo grounds are the perfect setting to enjoy the sights and sounds of the season with family and friends.

TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights
November 22, 2024 – January 5, 2025
5:30-10:30 p.m., last entry at 9:30 p.m.

Closed on Dec. 11, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day

BUY TICKETS

BUY DISCOUNTED MEMBER TICKETS

Buy early for the best price! Tickets are available online only. Tickets will NOT be sold on-site at the Zoo.

Ticket prices are the same for adults and children. Children ages 2 and under are free. Tickets will NOT be available for purchase at the gate. We do not offer refunds or exchanges.

Find additional information in our Zoo Lights FAQ section below. 

Highlights

NEW This Year: 

  • Take a photo in front of our brand new Whimsical Wildlife Tree at the end of the Reflection Pool.
  • Enjoy cookie decorating and more at Twiga Cafe and Cypress Circle Cafe.
  • Stroll through our immersive Twinkle Trail sponsored by TC Energy in African Forest.
  • Discover pathways of colorful moving lights.

Holiday Favorites:

  • Experience the Holiday Grove presented by TXU Energy with animal-themed lanterns and dancing trees under the great oak trees wrapped in winter lights.
  • Snap a photo at Snowy Slopes.
  • Stroll through our vibrant Enchanted Forest sponsored by H-E-B.
  • Snap a photo at Geo Prism Safari sponsored by PNC Bank.
  • Enjoy Winter Wonderland sponsored by Houston Methodist.
  • Visit the Coca-Cola Polar Bear display in Flamingo Terrace.
  • Don’t forget to stop by Santa’s Workshop to say hi and to take a photo with Santa in his workshop at Twiga Café until December 23.
  • And more!

Member Pricing
Save 20% per ticket when you log in to the Zoo Lights Member Portal to purchase.
Buy discounted Member tickets >

Discount Admission
10% discount admission for military, first responders (firefighters, police, and EMT), and educators throughout Zoo Lights season! Limit up to 5 tickets.
Buy discounted tickets >

SPECIAL EVENTS

Member Preview Nights

November 19 and 20
5:30-10:30 p.m., last entry at 9:30 p.m.

Get exclusive preview of Zoo Lights before it opens to the public! Tickets are only $12.95 per person during these two nights.

More Info

Sip & Sparkle

Thursday, November 21
6:00-10:00 p.m., last entry at 8:00 p.m.

Have a date night out at TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights without the kids! Stroll the Zoo and take in the sparkling holiday lights, stopping to taste wine along the way.

Get Tickets
zebra animal lantern

Sensory Inclusive Zoo Lights

Monday, December 2
5:30-10:30 p.m., last entry at 9:30 p.m.

On this Zoo Lights night, guests can expect a smaller crowd, quieter music, limited flashing lights, and designated quiet areas.

Learn More

Recycle Your Holiday Lights

Help save animals in the wild and recycle your old or broken holiday string lights at the Zoo’s main entrance until January 5, 2025. Over the past 6 years, 35,831 lbs of holiday lights have been recycled at the Zoo — that’s the weight of six female Asian elephants! Just by attending Zoo Lights, you are helping save animals in the wild.

Zoo Lights FAQ

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. Our Zoo animals will be enjoying a full night’s slumber. To see our animals, visit Houston Zoo during the day. 

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.

Is TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights open to the public every day between November 22-January 5?

You can see all available Zoo Lights event dates when you buy your tickets. Please note that Zoo Lights will be closed to the public on the following dates:

Dec. 11, Dec. 24, and Dec. 25: Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

Zoo Lights will also be open to the public on Thanksgiving Day.

Do I need to buy a separate ticket for a child?

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

Are there special discounts for Military, First Responders, or Educators?

Military, first responders (firefighters, police, and EMT), and educators are all eligible for 10% off admission throughout the Zoo Lights season, excluding Sip & Sparkle.

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

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 Cypress Circle Café during Zoo Lights hours.

 

Is there a Sensory Inclusive Night?

Yes, it will be held on Monday, December 2. During this night we will have “Calming Nooks” located at the picnic tables near Ankole cattle and the pathway towards our Masai giraffe habitat.

We will offer bypasses for guests through highly-stimulating areas at the following locations:

  • Holiday Grove (bypass is Flamingo Terrace)
  • Twinkle Trail (bypass is to continue along the main Zoo Lights path through African Forest)
  • Enchanted Forest (bypass is continuing along the main path to Cypress Circle)
  • Holiday Dance Party (bypass is the pathway in front of Children’s Zoo toward Enchanted Forest)

Highly-stimulating areas without a bypass include:

  • Snow at Winter Wonderland
  • Bubbles, moving lights and music inside the Illuminated Ocean at Great Ape Gallery

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 is the suggested attire?

Please remember that you will be outside and walking, so dress appropriately.

What if I need to cancel prior to the event?

All payments are non-refundable and non-transferable.

What is the rain plan?

This event is rain or shine. 

Do I need to print my ticket(s)?

Present the digital ticket on your mobile device to scan for entry. By going paperless, you are helping save local animals, like black bears, in the wild!

Who should I contact if I have any other questions?

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

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