TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights

Event Details

Unearth new worlds of whimsy and wonder when you spend your holiday at TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights!

This holiday lights experience invites you to explore the fantastical and let your imagination run wild as you adventure through the Zoo as you’ve never seen it before. From fanciful bursts of color in our Enchanted Forest to the dazzling sights at Iridescent Immersion, there’s no end to the delights waiting for you!

TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights
November 21, 2025 – January 4, 2026
5:30 – 10:30 p.m., last entry at 9:30 p.m.

Closed on December 3, 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

Surround yourself in dazzling wonder at Iridescent Immersion, inside of Great Ape Gallery.
Journey beyond the ordinary with every step, illuminated by our brand-new projection mapping technology, Wild Wonder Lights, in the McGovern Front Plaza, presented by TXU Energy.
Frolic and revel in merrymaking on our new Neon Playground.
Experience the Holiday Grove with colorful, dancing fountains under the great oak trees wrapped in lights.
Unleash your imagination at our interactive Yuletide Lodge pop-up bar experience.

Holiday Favorites

Take a photo by the Whimsical Wildlife Tree near the end of the Reflection Pool
Discover the Geo-Prism Safari, presented by PNC Bank.
Stroll through our vibrant Enchanted Forest, sponsored by H-E-B.
Enjoy snow in Winter Wonderland sponsored by Houston Methodist.
Don’t forget to stop by Santa’s Workshop at Cypress Circle Cafe to say hello and take a photo until December 23.
Visit the Coca-Cola Polar Bear display in Flamingo Terrace.
And more!

Member Pricing

Save 20% per ticket when you log into 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 18 and 19
5:30-10:30 p.m., last entry at 9:30 p.m.

Members get an 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 20
6:00-10:00 p.m., last entry at 8:00 p.m.

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

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Sensory Inclusive Night

Monday, December 1
5:30-10:30 p.m., last entry at 9:30 p.m.

On this night, guests can expect quieter music and limited flashing lights. Every night of Zoo Lights we also have designated “Calming Nooks” and bypass areas for guests.

Plan Your Visit

Help Save Animals in the Wild

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 21-January 4?

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. 3, 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 Jack’s Cafe and Cypress Circle Café during Zoo Lights hours.

Is there a Sensory Inclusive Night?

Yes, it will be held on Monday, December 1. During this night we will lower the music volume and limit flashing lights across the Zoo.

Every night of Zoo Lights, we have “Calming Nooks,” located near the picnic area across from Masihara Pavilion before entering the Geo-Prism Safari and the pathway across from the carousel toward the restrooms.

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.

Along the Zoo Lights path, will there be bypasses for guests around highly-stimulating areas?

Every night during Zoo Lights season, we will offer bypasses for guests around highly-stimulating areas at the following locations:

Holiday Grove (bypass is Flamingo Terrace)
Enchanted Forest (bypass is continuing along the main path to Cypress Circle)
Snow and Holiday Dance Party (bypass is the pathway in front of Children’s Zoo toward Enchanted Forest)

Highly-stimulating areas without a bypass include:

Wild Wonder Lights (Projection Mapping) in the McGovern Front Plaza
Moving lights and music at Illuminated Ocean outside of Great Ape Gallery
Iridescent Immersion inside of 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.