TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights

Event Details

TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights at the Houston Zoo celebrates ten years as one of Houston’s best loved holiday traditions! Stroll through the beautiful Zoo grounds as you take in the sights and sounds this holiday season. Our Zoo animals will be enjoying a full night’s slumber. To see our animals, visit the Zoo during the day.

TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights
November 15, 2021 – January 9, 2022
5:30-10:30 p.m., last entry at 9:30 p.m.
Buy early for the best price!
Note: Zoo Lights will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

20% discount admission for military, first responders, and teachers throughout Zoo Lights season! Limit up to 4 tickets.

Tickets will NOT be available for purchase at the gate. We do not offer refunds or exchanges.
Note: Ticket prices are the same for adults and children. Children ages 2 and under are free. Members save 20% per ticket when you log in to purchase.

VIEW ZOO LIGHTS MAP

Find additional information in our Zoo Lights FAQ section below.

Zoo Lights Highlights

Highlights:

Experience the Holiday Grove presented by TXU Energy with animal-themed lanterns and thousands of glowing flowers under the great oak trees wrapped in winter lights.
See the Great Ape Gallery transformed into an Illuminated Ocean presented by H-E-B, a glowing underwater adventure. This immersive experience takes you “underwater” as you walk under illuminated jellyfish and other sea creatures overhead.
Take a photo in front of the NEW 33’ tall color-changing holiday tree.
Walk under a canopy of glowing flowers and butterflies in the hanging pollinator garden.
Stroll through a 125-foot-long Infinity Tunnel of Light.
See “snow” in Texas and explore Winter Wonderland presented by Houston Methodist.
Take a photo with Santa as he prepares for the holidays in his workshop at Twiga Café until December 23.
And much more!

holiday light recycling collection bin outside of Zoo entrance

Recycle Your Holiday Lights

You can help save animals in the wild and recycle your old or broken holiday lights at the Zoo’s main entrance until January 9, 2022. Since 2016, over 24,000 pounds of holiday lights have been recycled at the Zoo – the weight of approximately two male Asian elephants!

Just by attending TXU Energy presents 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 the Houston Zoo during the day.

Is a mask required to visit the Zoo?

Per CDC guidelines, masks are strongly encouraged for all guests inside Zoo buildings. The Zoo continues to strongly encourage everyone to exercise safe social distancing in crowded situations, regardless of their vaccination status.

Since COVID-19 began, we have steadfastly followed the recommendations of local health officials and the CDC. Because of the widespread availability of vaccines in the greater Houston area, and because the Zoo is a sprawling outdoor venue with abundant space to allow for safe social distancing, we feel that this step is in line with the new CDC guidelines. We will continue to limit our capacity and require all non-member guest tickets to be purchased online in advance, with no tickets sold at the door.

Is it timed entry for TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights?

We have timed entry for TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights this year. Your reserved time slot is your assigned arrival time. Once you arrive, you are welcome to enjoy Zoo Lights until closing 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 15-January 9?

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. 7: Private Event
Dec. 24 & 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, and Educators are all eligible for 20% off admission throughout the Zoo Lights season, excluding Brew Lights. An ID will be required at entry for discount verification.

Do you offer group ticket reservations?

A 20% discount will be applied to group ticket purchases of 20 or more tickets. If you have any questions, please email group.reservations@houstonzoo.org.

What food and drink options will be available?

Along the Zoo Lights path, you’ll encounter plenty of yummy holiday treats including s’mores kits, hot chocolate, and more! Multiple food locations will be available, including Cypress Circle Café during Zoo Lights hours.

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.

Will there be a sensory friendly Zoo Lights night?

Yes, it will be held on Monday, Dec. 6.

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 call if I have any other questions?

Please contact our call center at 713-533-6500 with event questions, questions about purchasing tickets or our online ordering system.