Zoo Lights 2026 at Houston Zoo | Houston Holiday Lights

TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights Event Details

Lighting the Way for Wildlife

Date: November 19, 2026 – January 3, 2027 (Houston Zoo is closed on December 9 and Christmas Eve)
Time: 5:30 – 10:30 p.m., last entry at 9:30 p.m.

Your favorite Houston holiday tradition is back! This holiday season, step into a world where wildlife comes to light. Every path and light reveals wonder, guides every journey, and brings us closer to wildlife and to the brighter future we can build together.

Gather your family and friends. Come experience the wild in a whole new light. Together, let’s light the way for wildlife.

CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAY SEASON AT ZOO LIGHTS

Member Preview Nights

November 17 and 18
5:30-10:30 p.m.

Get a sneak peek of what’s new at Zoo Lights during Member Preview Nights. Tickets are only $14.95 on these two nights.

GET EARLY ACCESS

New this Year: Wine Fest

Friday, November 20
5:30-10:30 p.m.

Join us for Wine Fest at TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights. Sip your way through wine tastings all evening, get into the holiday spirit with live music, and make memories with your favorite people at our 21+ event.

New This Year: Christmas Night at the Zoo

Friday, December 25
5:30-10:30 p.m.

For the first time, the Houston Zoo will open for Zoo Lights on Christmas Day. After the presents are opened and the day’s celebrations wind down, gather your family, and keep the holiday glowing with an evening at Zoo Lights.

Perform with Your Choir at Zoo Lights

Houston Zoo invites school and community choirs to perform during Zoo Lights.

Group Capacity
Performances are available for choirs with up to 40 performers

Ticket pricing

Performer tickets are FREE (up to 40 performers)
Spectator tickets: $29.95
Minimum purchase of 100 tickets per group (excluding performers)

LEARN MORE

Become a Zoo Member

Make Zoo Lights part of a year full of wildlife experiences. Become a Houston Zoo member and enjoy 12 months of Zoo admission, exclusive member perks, and discounts on Zoo Lights tickets throughout the season.

Members can also experience Zoo Lights before it opens to the public during exclusive Member Preview nights on Nov. 17 and 18.

Enjoy a 10% discount on your membership purchase when you use the code ZOOFALL26 upon checkout. The discount code is valid until Oct. 30, 2026 only.

BECOME A HOUSTON ZOO MEMBER

Not valid on Lone Star membership. T&Cs apply.

2025 Zoo Lights at Houston Zoo.

Zoo Lights Frequently Asked Questions

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. To see our animals, visit Houston Zoo during the day.

What time does Zoo Lights open? 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.

Are there special discounts for Military, First Responders, or Educators? Do I need to buy a separate ticket for a child?

Military, first responders (firefighters, police, and EMT), and educators are all eligible for 10% off admission throughout the Zoo Lights season.

An ID will be required at entry for discount verification. Limit up to 5 tickets.

Children ages two and under are free. You will need to buy a separate ticket for children three and older.

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

Is there a Sensory Inclusive Night?

Yes, Sensory Inclusive Night is on Monday, November 30. During this night, we will lower the music volume and limit flashing lights across the Zoo.

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.

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 if I need to cancel prior to the event? What if it rains?

All payments are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Zoo Lights is rain or shine.

What are some things to do in Houston for Christmas and the holiday season?

Experience Houston’s holiday season through Christmas events, activities, and light displays – Zoo Lights! Zoo Lights offers an evening experience where families, friends, and visitors can gather together at the Houston Zoo.

What are some Christmas activities for kids in Houston?

Bring the kids to Zoo Lights at Houston Zoo to explore illuminated landscapes, discover wildlife-inspired displays, and experience the Zoo after dark together.

What are some family holiday activities in Houston?

Explore Houston’s holiday season with family activities, seasonal events and light displays at Houston Zoo. At Zoo Lights, families can experience wildlife and holiday lights together.

Who should I contact if I have any other questions?

If you have any questions, please email group.reservations@houstonzoo.org.

TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights

November 19, 2026 – January 3, 2027