This year the Zoo celebrates its tenth year as one of Houston’s most beloved holiday traditions. From Nov. 15 through Jan. 9, guests may relish unique 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 can sip their hot chocolate by one of the smores-making stations or walk through the 125-foot Infinity Tunnel of Light. Santa returns to his workshop to take photos with all good little boys and girls.
White reindeer, 16-ft.-tall, adorned with lights greet the visitors as they enter. New this year, guests may experience the Holiday Grove along the familiar path on either side of the reflection pool near the Zoo entrance, presented by TXU Energy where hundreds of tulips glow in transitioning colors, synchronized to music under the historic oaks.
Families can walk under a canopy of glittering flowers and white butterflies in the hanging pollinator garden. The Snow Zone offers intermittent snowy cascades that offer a delightful and memorable snowlike experience.
In the Illuminated Ocean cavern presented by HEB, guests will have a shimmery underwater adventure when they walk under illuminated jellyfish as the Great Ape Gallery transforms into a wonderland of floating, iridescent sea creatures.
During the nightly event, animals 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.
Sensory Friendly Night – Monday, December 6
20% discount admission for military, first responders, and teachers throughout Zoo Lights season! Limit up to 4 tickets.
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. through January 9, 2022. The Zoo closes for the day at 4:00 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. Ticket prices start at $14.95. For the best price, guests are encouraged to buy tickets early. For more information, including nights of operation, or to purchase tickets, visit www.HoustonZoo.org/zoolights.
LED Lights Help Wildlife
The Houston Zoo saves wildlife by only using energy-saving LED lights during TXU Energy Presents Zoo Lights. The LED lights are using 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 24,000 lbs. of holiday lights- that is the same weight as two adult Asian elephants!
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% off discount for any day. ID will be required at the gate.
The Houston Zoo connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife. Established in 1922, today the Zoo is a leading conservation and education nonprofit organization providing care to thousands of animals. All while remaining a cherished destination for fun, family, and inspiration for all of Houston’s diverse communities. The Houston Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science, and recreation. To stay informed about the Houston Zoo, visit www.houstonzoo.org.
Photos by Lebanon Times