TXU Energy Presents Zoo Lights turns the Houston Zoo in Hermann Park into a nighttime holiday walk, with illuminated animal displays, light tunnels and festive treats spread across the grounds. The 2026 season runs November 19, 2026 through January 3, 2027, nightly from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. with last entry at 9:30 p.m. New for 2026 are the Gateway to Wonder animal lanterns, the Celestial Flight oak tree display, Candy Cane Lane, Campfire Canyon s’mores stations and a nightly snow effect at Frosted Forest, and for the first time the zoo will stay open for Zoo Lights on Christmas night.
The event suits families and couples looking for a low-key, stroll-through holiday outing, and most visits run about two to three hours depending on how many food and photo stops you make. Zoo Lights is a separately ticketed, timed event sold online in advance; the Houston Zoo says tickets are not sold at the gate, so plan to buy before you go.
Stats at a Glance
- Venue: Houston Zoo
- City: Houston
- State: Texas
- Dates: November 19, 2026 to January 3, 2027 (closed December 9 and Christmas Eve)
- Hours: 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. nightly, last entry 9:30 p.m.
- Tickets: Member Preview Nights (Nov 17-18) are $14.95; general nightly pricing is not published on the event page, check the ticket portal, and members get 20% off throughout the season
- Timed entry: yes, tickets are sold online in advance for specific dates
- New for 2026: Gateway to Wonder animal lanterns, Celestial Flight oak tree display, Candy Cane Lane, Campfire Canyon s’mores stations, Frosted Forest nightly snow, and the zoo open on Christmas night for the first time
What’s new for 2026
The Houston Zoo is adding several new zones for the 2026 season: Gateway to Wonder, a display of animal-shaped lanterns; Celestial Flight, a lit canopy in the oak trees; Candy Cane Lane; and Campfire Canyon, a dedicated s’mores stop. The zoo is also running a nightly snow effect at Frosted Forest. The biggest change this year is that Zoo Lights will stay open on Christmas night for the first time, in addition to the usual run through early January.
The lights and displays
Zoo Lights spreads illuminated displays across the zoo’s paths, with themed zones, lit trees and animal-inspired light sculptures rather than a single central show. Santa is on site for visits through December 23. The zoo’s regular animal exhibits are part of the route, though the zoo notes that live animals generally are not visible after dark during the event.
Tickets, prices and member nights
Tickets must be bought online in advance through the Houston Zoo’s ticket portal; they are not sold at the gate. The only price the zoo publishes directly is for Member Preview Nights on November 17 and 18, at $14.95 per ticket. Houston Zoo members get a 20% discount on Zoo Lights tickets for the rest of the season, and military members, first responders and educators get 10% off with ID (limit five tickets). Children under 2 get in free; children 3 and up need a separate paid ticket. Parking in the Hermann Park lots near the zoo is free. Because the zoo does not list a standard nightly price range on its event page, check the ticket portal for the current price on the date you want.
Food, drinks and extras
Seasonal food stops include hot chocolate, s’mores at the new Campfire Canyon, and churro fries, alongside the zoo’s regular Savannah Cafe, Jack’s Cafe and Cypress Circle Cafe. Fridays for Wildlife runs every Friday through December 25, with the first 2,000 guests each night getting a limited-edition ornament. A 21-and-up Wine Fest is set for Friday, November 20. Groups buying a minimum of 100 tickets can arrange a free choir performance.
Tips for your visit
Weeknights tend to be less crowded than weekends and the days around Christmas and New Year’s. The zoo closes for its daytime hours at 4 p.m. and reopens at 5:30 p.m. for Zoo Lights, so there’s a gap between sessions. A Sensory Inclusive Night with reduced music and lighting is scheduled for Monday, November 30, and the zoo is a Certified Autism Center with staff trained for sensory needs and quiet spaces available. Stroller and scooter rentals are available but take credit card payment only. Dress warmly, since Houston evenings can still get chilly in December, and note the event runs rain or shine with non-refundable, non-transferable tickets.
Explore more: every zoo and garden holiday light show for 2026, by state.
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TXU Energy Presents Zoo Lights 2026 at Houston Zoo FAQs
When is Zoo Lights 2026 at the Houston Zoo?
Zoo Lights runs nightly from November 19, 2026 through January 3, 2027, from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. with last entry at 9:30 p.m. The zoo is closed for the event on December 9 and Christmas Eve, but will be open on Christmas night for the first time.
How much are Zoo Lights tickets in 2026?
The Houston Zoo has only published pricing for Member Preview Nights (November 17-18) at $14.95 per ticket. Standard nightly pricing is not listed on the event page, so check the ticket portal for the current price on your chosen date. Members get 20% off, and military, first responders and educators get 10% off with ID.
Do you need to buy Zoo Lights tickets in advance?
Yes. Zoo Lights tickets are sold online only and are not available for purchase at the gate, so buy before you arrive.
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Photo: Rasar90 / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.