‘Tis the season for TXU Energy Presents Zoo Lights at the Houston Zoo! This year the Zoo will celebrate its tenth year as one of Houston’s most beloved holiday traditions. From Nov. 15 through Jan. 9, guests will take in the sights and sounds of the season as they stroll through the transformed winter wonderful. They will enjoy the beautiful Zoo grounds illuminated with earth-friendly LED bulbs and can sip their hot chocolate by one of the smores-making stations or walk through the 125-foot-long Infinity Tunnel of Light. Santa returns to his workshop to take photos with all the good little boys and girls.
NEW for 2021:
Guests will have the opportunity to experience the Holiday Grove presented by TXU Energy where thousands of glowing tulips are synchronized to music under the historic oak trees. A canopy of glowing flowers and butterflies in the hanging pollinator garden dazzle families. Guests will have a glowing underwater adventure when they walk under illuminated jellyfish as the Great Ape Gallery transforms into the Illuminated Ocean, presented by HEB.
TXU Energy Presents Zoo Lights is a separately ticketed event, held daily from 5:30 – 10:30 p.m. with the last entry at 9:30 p.m. The Zoo closes for the day at 4:00 p.m. and re-opens as TXU Energy Presents Zoo Lights at 5:30 p.m. Tickets will not be available at the gate and must be purchased online. Ticket prices start at $14.95. For the best price, guests are encouraged to buy tickets early. For more information, including nights of operation, or to purchase tickets, visit www.HoustonZoo.org/zoolights.
During the nightly event, animals will settle down for their winter slumber. As the attraction of the evenings are the lights, guests who want to see Zoo animals are encouraged to visit during regular daytime hours.
LED Lights Help Wildlife
- The Houston Zoo saves wildlife by only using energy-saving LED lights during TXU Energy Presents Zoo Lights. The LED lights are using 85% less power than incandescent lights, allowing the Houston Zoo to conserve lots of energy.
- Guests can help save animals in the wild this holiday season by recycling their old or broken lights at the Houston Zoo. Recycling lights keeps them out of landfills, less space for landfills means more space for animals. The Zoo has recycled more than 24,000 lbs. of holiday lights- that is the same weight as two adult Asian elephants!
Specialty Nights
Sensory Friendly Night
Monday, December 6
This evening, guests can expect a smaller Zoo Lights crowd, quieter music, limited flashing lights and designated quiet areas.
Additional Specialty Nights
Members of the military, first responders and educators are eligible for a 20% off discount for any day. ID will be required at the gate.
