Event · Community

Zoo Lights at the Houston Zoo

When

Through Jan 3 · 5:30 PM–10:30 PMNightly 5:30–10:30 p.m., last entry 9:30 p.m.; closed December 9 and December 24. Christmas Night opening December 25.

Where

Houston Zoo6200 Hermann Park Drive, Houston, TX 77030Open in Google Maps ↗

Ages

All ages; children ages two and under are free

Cost

Dated tickets required for ages 3 and older; public prices shown at checkout (member preview nights Nov 17–18 are $14.95 for members)Sensory Inclusive Night Monday, November 30 with lower music and limited flashing lights; the zoo is a Certified Autism Center. Stroller and scooter rentals available.

Organizer

Houston Zoo

The Houston Zoo turns its paths into an evening holiday light walk for Zoo Lights, running nightly from November 19, 2026 to January 3, 2027 except December 9 and Christmas Eve. Families stroll past animal-themed light displays and lantern safari scenes at Gateway to Wonder, see light-wrapped century-old oak trees, walk through Candy Cane Lane, roast s'mores and drink hot chocolate at Campfire Canyon, and see nightly artificial snow in the Frosted Forest. The animals themselves are not the attraction at night; the zoo suggests a daytime visit to see them. Tickets are dated: you may enter any time after the arrival time on your ticket and stay until 10:30 p.m., with last entry at 9:30 p.m. Children two and under are free; everyone three and older needs a ticket. Fridays through December 25 the first 2,000 guests receive an animal ornament, the zoo opens on Christmas night for the first time, and Monday, November 30 is a sensory-inclusive night with lower music and limited flashing lights. Stroller and scooter rentals are available. The event runs rain or shine and tickets are non-refundable. Park in the free Hermann Park lots or other nearby options and use the main entrance.