Houston Zoo Lights 2023

Tis the season for one of Houston’s most beloved holiday traditions, TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights at Houston Zoo is back for its twelfth year! From Nov. 17 through Jan. 7, 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 with all the good little boys and girls until Dec. 23. 

Holiday Favorites: 
Guests will enjoy a picture-perfect winter scene at Snowy Slopes, sponsored by PNC, featuring ski lift chairs near the Reflection Pool. Life-sized animal lanterns and great oak trees wrapped in winter lights along the Zoo Lights path will dazzle families. Guests will enjoy a stroll through the colorful holiday light tunnel and take in the sparkling lights at the Holiday Grove, presented by TXU Energy, and the interactive dancefloor is back to 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 4:00 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. Members receive a 20% 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.  
 
LED Lights Help Wildlife 
•    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 keep 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 
November 14 & 15 
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 16 
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/.  
 
Additional Specialty Nights 
Members of the military, first responders (firefighters, police and EMT), and educators are eligible for a 10% discount throughout Zoo Lights season. ID will be required at the gate. Limit up to 5 tickets.