TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights

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 17, 2023 – January 7, 2024
Closed on Dec. 6, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day
5:30-10:30 p.m., last entry at 9:30 p.m.

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

BUY TICKETS

Members: Save 20% per ticket when you log in to the Zoo Lights Member Portal to purchase.

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.

VIEW PDF MAP

Holiday Favorites

Experience the Holiday Grove presented by TXU Energy with animal-themed lanterns under the great oak trees wrapped in winter lights.
Take a photo in front of the towering 33’ tall color-changing holiday tree.
Stroll through our vibrant Enchanted Forest sponsored by H-E-B.
Walk through a canopy of glowing flowers and butterflies in the Hanging Pollinator Garden sponsored by TC Energy as you sip on your hot chocolate.
Snap a photo at our Snowy Slopes sponsored by PNC.
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 much 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 7, 2024. Over the past 6 years, 31,568 lbs of holiday lights have been recycled at the Zoo — that’s the weight of five 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 17-January 7?

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. 6, 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 Friendly Night?

This year every night of Zoo Lights is sensory inclusive and offers an opportunity for the neurodiverse community to experience Houston’s favorite holiday tradition. We’ve taken all the elements of Sensory Friendly Night and expanded it for the whole season. For the entire run of Zoo Lights, we have eliminated strobe and intensely flashing lights, and created designated quiet zones. The two designated quiet zones can be found on your Zoo Lights map.

There are certain Zoo Lights dates where we anticipate lower crowds. Those dates are Nov 27-29, Dec 4-5, and Dec 11-13.

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.