Dallas Zoo Lights Presented by Reliant turns the Dallas Zoo into an after-dark holiday walkthrough with over two million lights and large lantern displays spread across the grounds. The Dallas Zoo has not announced 2026 dates, hours, or ticket prices for this event yet, so this page will be updated as soon as that information is released.
The event suits families and light-display fans who want a few hours of walking through illuminated pathways, lantern scenes, and holiday photo spots rather than rides or thrill attractions. In 2025, tickets were sold by date and required in advance rather than available at the gate, and a visit typically took two to three hours depending on crowds and stops for food or photos.
Stats at a Glance
- Venue: Dallas Zoo
- City: Dallas
- State: Texas
- Dates: 2026 dates TBD (2025: November 13, 2025 to January 3, 2026, select nights)
- Hours: TBD (2025: 5:30 to 9 p.m.)
- Tickets: TBD (2025: general admission starting at $19; combo day-and-night ticket added $10)
- Timed entry: not stated
- New for 2026: not announced
2026 dates and what we know
The Dallas Zoo has not released dates for the next Dallas Zoo Lights season as of this writing. The event has run every winter in recent years, so a return is likely, but nothing is confirmed for 2026 and the zoo’s official Zoo Lights page does not mention a 2026-2027 run yet. For planning purposes, the most recent confirmed season ran November 13, 2025 through January 3, 2026 on select nights, with the zoo open for lights from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Check the official Dallas Zoo Lights page as the fall approaches, since the zoo typically announces dates and tickets several weeks before opening night.
The lights and displays
In 2025 the event featured over two million lights along with large illuminated lantern sculptures, including a “Destination: Dinosaurs” display, set throughout the zoo’s walking paths. The route included holiday-themed photo spots, musical performances, and a holiday maze. Exact 2026 displays and any new lantern themes have not been announced.
Tickets, prices and member nights
2026 prices have not been published; the zoo’s site currently shows 2025 details only. In 2025, general admission to Zoo Lights started at $19, with a combo ticket letting guests visit the zoo by day starting at 2:30 p.m. and stay for the lights for an extra $10. Dual-Passport members received 20% off, and Patron-level members and above got in free. Parking cost $15 separately, except for members, who parked free. The 2025 season also included a Sensory Friendly Night (November 17) with lower music and smaller crowds, and a Member Night (December 1) with exclusive access for members. Whether these same discounts and special nights return for 2026 has not been confirmed.
Food, drinks and extras
In 2025, guests could buy holiday packages such as Cocoa Cravings and Cocoa & Glow, plus reserve 90-minute holiday igloos for up to six guests with optional food add-ons like Jolly Bites or Season’s Savories. Multiple snack bars and restaurants around the zoo stayed open during event hours. These offerings are tied to the 2025 season and have not yet been confirmed for 2026.
Tips for your visit
Once 2026 dates are announced, expect weeknights to be less crowded than weekends and nights close to Christmas. Arrive close to opening for easier parking and photo access at popular lantern displays, and dress warmly since the event runs entirely outdoors in cold evening temperatures. Strollers are generally fine on the paved paths, and allow two to three hours for a full walkthrough with stops for food or treats. Check the event calendar for which nights are open each week, since the zoo typically runs the event on select nights rather than every night of the season, and watch for weather-related closures on especially cold or wet evenings.
Explore more: every zoo and garden holiday light show for 2026, by state.
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Dallas Zoo Lights Presented by Reliant at Dallas Zoo FAQs
When is Dallas Zoo Lights 2026?
The Dallas Zoo has not announced 2026 dates yet. As a guide, the most recent confirmed season ran November 13, 2025 through January 3, 2026 on select nights from 5:30 to 9 p.m.
How much are Dallas Zoo Lights tickets in 2026?
2026 prices have not been announced. In 2025, general admission started at $19, with a combo day-and-night ticket adding $10 to regular zoo admission, Dual-Passport members got 20% off, and Patron-level members and above got in free. Parking was $15 except for members.
Do you need to buy Dallas Zoo Lights tickets in advance?
In 2025, tickets were sold for specific dates and generally needed to be purchased in advance online rather than relying on walk-up availability. Check the official Dallas Zoo Lights page once 2026 tickets go on sale to confirm the process.
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Photo: Kevin1086 / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.