Zoo Lights 2022

Tis the season for one of Houston’s most beloved holiday traditions, TXU Energy Presents Zoo Lights at the Houston Zoo! (Photo courtesy of the Houston Zoo)

'Tis the season for one of Houston’s most beloved holiday traditions, TXU Energy Presents Zoo Lights at the Houston Zoo! From Nov. 18 through Jan. 8, guests will take in the sights and sounds of the season as they stroll through the transformed winter wonderland. They will enjoy the beautiful Zoo grounds illuminated with earth-friendly LED bulbs and, take photos in front of the 33-foot color-changing holiday 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 2022: 
Guests will enjoy a picture-perfect “snowy” winter scene featuring ski lift chairs near the Reflection Pool. Life-sized animal lanterns along the Zoo Lights path will dazzle families and guests of all ages will have the opportunity to show off their dance moves at the John P. McGovern Children’s Zoo Plaza that will transform into an illuminated, interactive dance floor. A brand-new colorful holiday light tunnel will round out the holiday experience. 
 
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. Purchase tickets and find more information here.   
 
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.  
 
The Houston Zoo saves wildlife by only using energy-saving LED lights during TXU Energy Presents Zoo Lights. LED lights use 85% less power than incandescent lights, allowing the Houston Zoo to conserve lots of energy.  Guests can help save animals in the wild this holiday season by recycling their old or broken lights at the Houston Zoo. Recycling lights keeps them out of landfills, less space for landfills means more space for animals. The Zoo has recycled more than 26,000 lbs. of holiday lights- that’s the weight of more than two adult Asian elephants! 
 
Specialty Nights 
 
Member Preview Nights 
Nov. 15-16 
Members can enjoy two exclusive member preview nights and see the lights before anyone else.  - at a special price just for Members.
 
Sip & Sparkle 
Thurs., Nov. 17 
Adults 21+ are invited to stroll through the beautiful Zoo grounds and take in Zoo Lights without the kids! Each Tasting Pass includes five 2 oz. wine samples or two Saint Arnold Brewing Co. beers, and access to the event. Tickets are available here. 
 
Sensory Friendly Night 
Mon., Dec. 5  
This evening, guests can expect a smaller Zoo Lights crowd, quieter music, limited flashing lights and designated quiet areas. 
 
Additional Specialty Nights 
Members of the military, first responders and educators are eligible for a 20 discount discount for any day. ID will be required at the gate. Limit up to 5 tickets.