Zoo Lights at the Houston Zoo returns for November 15, 2021 – January 9, 2022! (Member preview nights start November 9, 2021.)
Each night in November , December and early January, the Houston Zoo closes at 5:00pm… only to reopen with millions of lights at 5:30pm.
This year, timed tickets must be purchased ahead of time. Tickets will NOT be available for purchase at the gate.
The least busy days are usually school nights. When you look online for your ticket, you will see the later in the evening you attend, the more you save. Also, if you can swing a later entrance time, there are often smaller crowds than at opening time.
This year we went on a preview night at 8:00pm. (I know that's too late for a lot of families!) At this time, we easily found close parking and made it through the lights in about an hour. When we left around 9:00pm, the crowds were even smaller and there were really not waits for photo opps.
So, if you have a later bedtime, you can beat some of the crowds and still have time to tour the zoo. If you need to get the little ones home earlier, I've been there too!
Zoo members can buy discounted tickets (but free Zoo Lights admission is not included with membership). Military, First Responders and Educators are all eligible for 20% off admission. Also, kids two and under are free.
Outside food and drink is allowed in the zoo. You can also bring in some glowsticks. (The zoo sells glowsticks and my kids always ask for them!)
To find the current prices, visit the Zoo Lights website.
When you, be sure to bring your old or broken holiday lights. Since 2016, over 24,000 pounds of holiday lights have been recycled at the Zoo. That's the weight of approximately two male Asian elephants!
Find more Houston holiday festivals, lights and shows HERE!
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