Realms During Zoo Lights
Holiday Sing-A-Long Express
NEW All Aboard! Sing your heart out while riding the Holiday Sing-A-Long Express! Open daily during zoo operating hours, journey through the historic Brackenridge Park and sing along to holiday favorites.
Holiday Plaza
Walking into the zoo’s main entrance will give you all the holiday feels as everything is wrapped in twinkling lights. Plus, experience the ALL-NEW 32 foot LED tree that will brighten any family photo.
Water Wonderland
NEW Become immersed in an underwater adventure as jellyfish, water effects, sea life, and a mermaid fill the pathways, creating a true water wonderland!
Cowboy’s Peppermint Path
Red and white lights are sprinkled throughout the path covering buildings and trees with a candy cane celebration. Don’t forget to stop by Tinsel Tots located in Riverview Restaurant. The kid-friendly shop designed for little ones, to pick out a present for loved ones with help from our elves!
Starry Safari
Encounter the savanna with life-sized illuminated animals like a 15-foot tall giraffe in Starry Safari. See light up monkeys swinging around high above and bright hippos swimming below.
Polar Point
Polar Point will transport you to the Arctic with blue lights and frosty accents. Plus, don’t miss the walkthrough tunnel and giant snowmen along the way!
Fa La La Flamingo
Deck the halls with smiles and laughter while in Fa La La Flamingo. These fun and cheery lights will have you tickled pink.
Lakeside Lightshow
The high-energy Lakeside Light Show is back! A pixel technology combined with a custom soundtrack of Christmas and Latin songs is sure to get you on your feet and dancing!
FAO Schwarz Tony Parker Animal Collection
Retired Spurs point guard, Zoo Board Member, and long-time supporter of the zoo, Tony Parker, generously donated his collection of unique plush animals from the famed toy store for Zoo Lights. These larger-than-life lovable animals are located in the Beastro Restaurant and are available for fun and unforgettable selfies! Don’t forget, every night from 4:00 p.m. – close, you can decorate cookies inside Beastro Restaurant with our resident elves.
North Pole
Santa has made his way to the zoo! Share your Christmas list with him and hop on his sleigh for a photo. NEW to the North Pole is a 32 foot LED tree as bright as Rudolph’s nose.
Camel Trek
Join in a unique and unforgettable experience with camel rides as they stroll among twinkling light displays that have transformed Kronkosky’s Tiny Tot Nature Spot into a holiday Camel Trek. Camel rides are open daily from noon until the zoo closes. Camel rides are $10 per person.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of admission for Zoo Lights?
- Standard admission is $29.99 for adults and $25.99 for children
Additional costs such as Santa, camels, and s’mores?
- Yes, there are some elements of Zoo Lights that are an additional cost such as a photo with Santa, camel rides ($10), and s’mores ($5).
Where should you park?
- We have multiple areas to park such as our new Parking Garage or the parking lot by the Train Depot.
What is new this year?
- We have expanded lights in some of our areas and have Kiddie Park open at night for the first time.
Will the animals be out in the evening during Zoo Lights?
- The animals tuck in for the evening when San Antonio Zoo transforms into a wild, winter wonderland.
What time do the lights come on?
- Lights begin to come on as the sun goes down (between 5:30 and 7:00 p.m.).
Festive Eats
Get into the holiday spirit and roast marshmallows by the fire or enjoy some of your favorite Christmas time treats like hot cocoa and cookies!
*Additional fees may apply.
S’mores & More
Get into the holiday spirit and roast marshmallows by the fire. Gather around to Zoo Lights campfire and savor the irresistible goodness of a s’mores treat. Hot cocoa is also available at these stations to accompany these tasty snacks.
*Additional fees may apply.
Beastro Restaurant
Spacious and trendy, Beastro Restaurant offers a great view of the zoo’s impressive carousel and lake as well as delicious burgers and pizza. Dessert options are also available.
Games & Activities
Visit with Santa, ride the Holiday Express, and experience activities such as camel rides
*Additional fees may apply.
Camel Rides
Join in a unique and unforgettable experience with camel rides as they stroll among twinkling light displays that have transformed Kronkosky’s Tiny Tot Nature Spot into a holiday Camel Trek. Camel rides are available during Zoo Operating Hours.
Holiday Sing-A-Long Express
NEW All Aboard! Sing your heart out while riding the Holiday Sing-A-Long Express! Open daily during zoo operating hours, journey through the historic Brackenridge Park and sing along to holiday favorites.
Tinsel Tots
Hey kids, want to give your parents the perfect present? For $10, little ones can receive “Elf Bucks” to go shopping in an age-appropriate shop designed to pick out and wrap the perfect gift for their loved ones with help from our elves! This kid-friendly shop designed for little ones to pick out a present for their loved ones is located inside Riverview Restaurant.
Visit Santa
Santa has made his way to the zoo! Share your Christmas list with him and hop on his sleigh for a photo at the North Pole.
Cookie Decorating
Every night from 4:00 p.m. – close, you can decorate cookies inside Beastro Restaurant with our resident elves.
Dates: Nov. 19, 2021 - Jan. 2 2022
MAKE YOUR ZOO VISIT AN ADVENTURE.
MONTHLY MEMBERSHIPS
Starting as low as $3 per Month
There’s always something new to see at the zoo. Each year is packed with events and exciting additions. This auto-renewing membership gives you a full year of admission to the zoo and more!
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIPS
Starting at $46 per person
There's always something new to see at the zoo. Each year is packed with events and exciting additions.
