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Host Your Event at Houston Zoo

Holiday Parties

Treat your guests to a holiday celebration that is one of a kind. Whether you are looking for a creative idea to honor your employees’ or clients’ hard work and dedication, or continue an alumni group holiday tradition, your attendees will enjoy a private event venue and experience the brilliant displays of colorful lights and festive holiday music throughout the Zoo.

Venue Options

Explore our unique private event venues below to find your perfect fit. Whichever venue you choose, the event specialists at Houston Zoo will work to bring your event to life.

Download our Venue Map to see where these venues are located within the Zoo.

Have Questions? Want Pricing?

Submit an inquiry using the form below, and a Houston Zoo event specialist will respond with more information.

Contact Us – Inquiry Form

Houston Zoo Special Events
713-533-6833
events@houstonzoo.org

Booking Now

Reflections Event Hall and Terrace

The John P. and Kathrine G. McGovern Reflections Event Hall and Terrace is now open! With expansive views of the Galápagos Islands exhibit on the north end and overlooking the historic Reflection Pool on the south end, this one-of-a-kind venue will bring wonder and sophistication to your next corporate or social event.

Event rentals for our newest space are now available, submit an inquiry form today.

In lieu of a traditional holiday party, purchase group tickets and Zoo Bucks (Zoo currency) for your attendees to enjoy Zoo Lights. Guests will have access to stroll the Zoo Lights walking path and will be able to redeem Zoo Bucks for food and beverage items at various dining locations and kiosks throughout the grounds.

Please note that reserved seating for dining is not available. Available for groups of 20 or more guests and must be booked at least two weeks in advance.

Host an upscale dinner or happy hour and explore the wonders of the Galápagos Islands’ dynamic underwater life. Experience unending views of the 290,000 gallon aquarium featuring sharks, stingrays, and colorful fish in a coral reef habitat.

Seating for 20 included
Evening rental
Light music permitted inside building

Capacity:
Seating: 20
Cocktail style: 40

Seating style capacity for both One Ocean Aquarium and Sea Lion Caves: 60
Cocktail style capacity for both One Ocean Aquarium and Sea Lion Caves: 115

Evening rental only
Must be rented in combination with Sea Lion Caves
Sea lion tunnel available

Immerse yourself in the Galápagos Islands and dine underwater in the majestic Sea Lion Caves. This remarkable venue gives you an underwater look into our sea lions’ 362,000-gallon saltwater home. Complete your oceanic experience by adding on the One Ocean aquarium.

Seating for 40 included
Evening rental
Private restrooms
Light music permitted inside building

Capacity:
Seating: 40
Cocktail style: 75

Seating style capacity for both One Ocean Aquarium and Sea Lion Caves: 60
Cocktail style capacity for both One Ocean Aquarium and Sea Lion Caves: 115

Evening rental only
Sea lion tunnel available

Hidden high up in the trees sits the Nau Family Gorilla Treehouse. This intimate and exclusive space is perfect for company meetings and dinner parties.

Incredible 30 foot maple table seats 32 or divides into separate tables seating 60 total (additional fee applies to separate table)

Audio-video capability
Private restrooms inside the building

Capacity:
Boardroom style: 32
Dinner style capacity: 60

This space is for grownups only! We look forward to hosting your board meeting, cocktail party or dinner in this exclusive location.

Enter Africa with panoramic scenery of the gorilla and red river hog habitat. Take the views to the next level by adding the Gathering Tent to your event.

Seating for 60 included
Built-in service bar
Light music permitted inside building

Capacity:
Seating: 60
Cocktail style: 70

The Reptile House offers an unforgettable setting for a most unique gathering. Treat your guests to an unusual “house” party that is sure to intrigue everyone in attendance.

Seating for 80 included
Distinctive desert and tropical displays in exhibits
Light music permitted inside building

Capacity:
Seating: 80
Cocktail style: 200

This room without walls captures the simplicity and serenity of the Zoo.

Seating for 100 included 
Easy access to restrooms
Music with dancing permitted

Capacity:
Seating capacity under tent: 150
Cocktail style: 300

George R. Brown Conservation Education Center

Corral your party animals in this private indoor space great for a variety of entertainment options.

Seating for 100 included
Private restrooms inside the building
Music with dancing permitted inside building

Capacity:
Hall seating: 180
Hall cocktail style: 350

With expansive views of the Galápagos Islands exhibit on the north end and overlooking the historic Reflection Pool on the south end, this one-of-a-kind venue will bring wonder and sophistication to your next corporate or social event.

Seating for 100 included
Private restrooms
Music with dancing permitted
2 built-in screens that can be concealed
2 terraces for outdoor viewing

Capacity:
Seating: 200
Cocktail Style: 270

Nestled in the heart of the Zoo, this open tent is the perfect place for an unforgettable company outing or a serene evening event.

Seating for 200 included 
Daytime or evening rental
Easy access to restrooms
Music with dancing permitted

Capacity:
Seating capacity under tent: 200
Cocktail style: 400

On the edge of the African Forest sits this vibrant, covered party venue. It is the perfect place to gather for a large company outing or dance the night away with family and friends!

Seating for 200 included
Easy access to restrooms
Music with dancing permitted
Option to close tent panels
4 large ceiling fans

Capacity:
Seating under tent: 400
Lawn seating: 200
Cocktail style: 1,200

Looking for a zoo-nique experience? Ask about renting out the entire Zoo for an exclusive evening!

Find Out More

Catering

Taste Catering, the Houston Zoo’s onsite full-service catering partner, offers locally sourced and sustainable fare. The seasonal menu has been crafted to fit your specific  holiday party needs. Contact us to learn more.

 

Event Enhancements

Want to deck the halls and spread holiday cheer? From variety elves to photos with Santa, add on a few of the event enhancements below to create a holiday experience like no other in town.

HOLIDAY PARTY ENHANCEMENTS

HOUSTON ZOO HOLIDAY PARTIES FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can you rent Houston Zoo for a private holiday party?

Yes! The Houston Zoo has nine unique venues you can rent during Zoo Lights, making it a memorable destination for holiday parties in Houston and company holiday events. 

How much does it cost to book a holiday party or private event at Houston Zoo?

Pricing varies based on guest count, venue needs, timing of the event, type of event, and other event details. Fill out an inquiry form with information about the event you’re looking to host, and one of our event specialists will contact you with more information. 

How many guests can Houston Zoo accommodate?

Houston Zoo offers private event venues in Houston that can accommodate groups of many sizes. 

Our individual venues can accommodate: 

  • As few as 20 guests 
  • Up to 2,500 guests cocktail-style 
  • Up to 700 seated guests 

Our entire Zoo rentals can accommodate up to 6,000 guests. Zoo Lights entire Zoo rentals are available in early November only. 

Does Houston Zoo provide catering for private events?

Yes! Houston Zoo has a dedicated on-site catering team for private events. 

Can I bring my own food or outside catering?

No. We do not allow outside catering for events at Houston Zoo. 

What is included in a Houston Zoo Zoo Lights venue rental?

Each venue rental includes: 

  • Venue rental for four hours 
  • Security 
  • Seating 
  • An event specialist to help plan your event and be onsite the day of your event 

The amount of seating and number of tickets included vary based on the venue. Fill out an inquiry form to learn more. 

How far in advance should I book a Houston Zoo holiday party or private event?

You can book events as far in advance as one year, and all events must be booked at least two weeks prior to the event date, pending availability. 

We recommend booking a minimum of three months in advance for the most seamless experience. Please note that Zoo Lights weekend dates often book up months in advance. 

What is required to reserve a Houston Zoo event venue?

To reserve an event venue at Houston Zoo, we require: 

  • A signed initial contract 
  • Signed terms and conditions 
  • A 50% deposit of the venue rental cost 

Can I combine multiple venues for a larger event?

Some venues can be combined to accommodate a larger event. Reach out to us with your event needs, and we’d be happy to suggest options. 

Are animal encounters available during private events?

Yes! Animal encounters are available to add to an event on a first-come, first-served basis. The welfare of our animals is a top priority, and animal encounter options will vary based on venues. 

What dates are Zoo Lights rentals available?

Zoo Lights rentals are available from mid-November through mid-December and the first weekend in January. 

Please note that we do not host Zoo Lights events during Thanksgiving nor the last two weeks in December due to crowds and guest experience. 

Can I add entertainment and décor to my holiday party?

Yes! We can book Santa, carolers, elves, photo booths, face painters, airbrush tattoo artists, bounce houses, crafts, DJs, bands, linens, centerpieces, backdrops, and more. Reach out to us with your event needs, and we’d be happy to suggest options. 

What makes Houston Zoo different from other holiday party venues in Houston?

The Houston Zoo is a unique and historic holiday party venue in Houston, surrounded by nature with animals just footsteps away. 

Daytime events, entire Zoo rentals, Zoo Lights, and extended hours events include built-in entertainment with the opportunity to walk around and explore all the Zoo has to offer. 

When you book an event at Houston Zoo, you’re helping to save animals in the wild. We are a nonprofit organization that connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife. 

Testimonials

“We had our company’s holiday party at the Zoo during Zoo Lights. Our staff is still talking about it almost a week later! The food was excellent, as well as the service! The Zoo’s event coordinator did an excellent job arranging the event for us. We definitely recommend having an event at Houston Zoo!”
– Brenda Collier, Golder Associates, Inc.

“Our company hosted our annual holiday party at the Zoo. It was the first time we had done something like this before. We were very impressed with the venue staff and food! Zoo Lights made the perfect holiday outing and we are looking forward to next year!”
– Brittany Kowalick, Tetra Tech

“ The Houston Zoo was a wonderful background for our company holiday party. Zoo Lights added a special touch for our guests… the food was delicious and the ambiance was perfect for the event.”
– Stephanie Plugge, Exxon Mobil