Holiday Spectacular: Houston Zoo Lights now open for view

Tis’ the season for TXU Energy Presents Zoo Lights at the Houston Zoo. This seasonal spectacular features more than two million sparkling LED lights, twinkling replicas of zoo animals, the return of Candy the Zoo Lights Zebra, and a 33-foot-tall, glittering Christmas tree. 

From Nov. 18 through Jan. 14, the Houston Zoo is transformed into a winter wonderland as one of Houston’s most well-loved holiday traditions. Guests will sip hot chocolate as they stroll through the beautiful Houston Zoo grounds and take in the sights and sounds of the season. Fifteen miles of earth-friendly LED lighting illuminate the zoo’s historic oak trees and decorate the paths to light the way.

New this year is a special sensory-friendly Zoo Lights night on Nov. 28. This night is designed for guests with sensory sensitivities and their family. On this night, guests can expect a smaller crowd, quieter music, limited flashing lights, and two designated quiet areas.
Sights include a Texas-themed area presented by TransCanada, as well as “Holly Berry,” a 1958 Cadillac with a light show set to holiday tunes. Other features include the Holiday Train Village presented by Macy’s, the Enchanted Forest, and Candy, the interactive talking zebra, presented by H-E-B.

During the nightly event, the zoo animals settle down for their long winter’s nap, and the start attraction is the lights. To see the zoo’s animals, guests are encouraged to visit the Houston Zoo during regular daytime hours.

TXU Energy Presents Zoo Lights is a separately-ticketed event, held daily starting at 6:00 p.m. (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas). The zoo closes for the day at 5:00 p.m. and re-opens as TXU Energy Presents Zoo Lights at 6:00 p.m. On Prime nights, the event will stay open until 11 p.m. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit www.HoustonZoo.org/ZooLights.