TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights 2024

The annual TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights transforms the Houston Zoo into a winter wonderland. (Photo courtesy of the Houston Zoo)

TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights at Houston Zoo will delight families from Nov. 22 through Jan. 5. Guests will stroll through the transformed winter wonderland, enjoy the beautiful Zoo grounds illuminated with earth-friendly LED bulbs, take photos in front of this year’s new Whimsical Wildlife tree, and sip hot chocolate by one of the smores-making stations. Santa returns to his workshop to take photos until Dec. 23. 

New for 2024:
Guests will discover pathways of colorful moving lights and stroll through the immersive Twinkle Trail, sponsored by TC Energy, in African Forest. This year, two cookie decorating stations will keep friends and families entertained at Twiga Café and Cypress Circle Café. A new holiday tree at the end of the Reflection Pool will round out the holiday experience. 

Holiday Favorites: 
Guests will enjoy a picture-perfect winter scene at Snowy Slopes, featuring a snow machine and ski lift chairs. Life-sized animal lanterns and great oak trees wrapped in winter lights in the Holiday Grove, presented by TXU Energy, will dazzle families. Vibrant lights will round out the holiday experience in the Enchanted Forest, sponsored by HEB. 

TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights is a separately ticketed event, held daily from 5:30 – 10:30 p.m., with the last entry at 9:30 p.m. The Zoo closes for the day at 4 p.m. and re-opens as TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights at 5:30 p.m. Tickets will not be available at the gate and must be purchased online. Members receive a 20 percent discount when they log into their member portal. For the best price, guests are encouraged to buy tickets early. For more information, including nights of operation, or to purchase tickets, visit houstonzoo.org/zoolights.  
 
During the nightly event, animals will settle down for their winter slumber. As the attraction of the evenings are the lights, guests who want to see Zoo animals are encouraged to visit during regular daytime hours.  
 
Specialty Nights 

Member Preview Nights 
November 19 & 20 
Members can enjoy two exclusive member preview nights and see the lights before anyone else at a special price just for Members.

Sip & Sparkle 
Thursday, November 21 
Adults 21 and older are invited to stroll through the beautiful Zoo grounds and take in Zoo Lights without the kids! Each Tasting Pass includes six 2 oz. wine samples, a tasting card and a souvenir cup. Tickets are available at houstonzoo.org/sip-and-sparkle/.  

Sensory Inclusive Zoo Lights
Monday, December 2
This evening, guests can expect a smaller Zoo crowd, quieter music, limited flashing lights, and designated quiet areas.