Explore the Enchanting Houston Zoo Winter Lights

The Houston Zoo Winter Lights, also known as TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights, is a captivating holiday event that transforms the Houston Zoo into a dazzling winter wonderland. Thousands of twinkling lights, festive displays, and enchanting activities make this a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to embrace the magic of the holiday season.

Operating Hours and Dates

The Houston Zoo Winter Lights event runs from November 17, 2023, to January 7, 2024, with the following operating hours:

Dates: November 17, 2023, to January 7, 2024
Hours: 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., with last entry at 9:30 p.m.

Animal Viewing and Experiences

One important thing to note is that the zoo animals are not available for viewing during the Winter Lights event. They are settling down for their long winter’s nap, and the focus is entirely on the captivating holiday lights and displays.

However, the event offers a wide range of special experiences and activities to keep visitors entertained:

Specialty Nights

Sensory-friendly Night: Held on November 26, this night is designed for guests with sensory sensitivities and their families. It features a smaller crowd, quieter music, limited flashing lights, and other accommodations to create a more comfortable environment.

Holiday Treats and Activities

Holiday Treats: Enjoy festive treats like s’mores and hot chocolate to warm up during your visit.
Holiday Train Village: Explore the enchanting Holiday Train Village, a miniature display of trains and holiday-themed scenes.
Enchanted Forest: Wander through the Enchanted Forest, where you’ll be surrounded by twinkling lights and whimsical displays.

Santa Visits

Santa Sightings: Santa will be available for photos with families on select nights during the event.

Tickets and Pricing

The Houston Zoo Winter Lights event offers flexible pricing options to accommodate different budgets and schedules:

Ticket Prices: Prices vary depending on the day and membership status. Flex pricing allows you to choose a day that fits your schedule and budget.
Value Nights and Prime Nights: Value Nights are generally less expensive, while Prime Nights offer extended hours until 11 p.m.

To secure the best price and ensure availability, it’s recommended to purchase your tickets early.

Sustainability Efforts

The Houston Zoo is committed to sustainability and environmental conservation, and this commitment is reflected in the Winter Lights event:

LED Lights: The zoo uses energy-efficient LED lights, which consume less energy, produce less heat, and have a longer lifespan than other types of lighting. This helps conserve energy and reduce waste.
Holiday Lights Recycling: The zoo has a Holiday Lights Recycling Bin at the main entrance where you can drop off your old or broken holiday lights for recycling. This effort helps protect wildlife habitats by diverting waste from landfills.

Additional Tips

To make the most of your Houston Zoo Winter Lights experience, consider the following tips:

Parking and Traffic: Plan ahead for parking and traffic, as it can get busier around Hermann Park. Consider carpooling or using alternative transportation options.
Food and Beverages: There are multiple food and beverage locations available throughout the zoo, offering holiday treats. You can also bring your own food and drinks, excluding alcohol and glass.