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. 

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Yes, it will be held on Monday, December 2. During this night we will have “Calming Nooks” located near the picnic area across from Masihara Pavilion before entering Winter Wonderland and the pathway across from the carousel toward the restrooms.

We are proud to announce that the Houston Zoo is now 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.

We will offer bypasses for guests around 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

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. 

 

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

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

All payments are non-refundable and non-transferable.

This event is rain or shine. 

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!

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