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San Antonio Zoo

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Zoo Lights Powered by CPS
Zoo Lights Powered By CPS

Zoo Lights Powered by CPS Energy has ended. Please check back in Winter 2023.

Bigger, brighter, and WILDER than ever before – Zoo Lights, powered by CPS Energy, was here for the holiday season at San Antonio Zoo! Experience acres of dazzling lights, festive holiday snacks, and drinks for adults and kids, plus larger-than-life displays and photo-ops across miles of trails! Zoo Lights, powered by CPS Energy, ran from November 19 through January 1, 2023.

Make memories that will last a lifetime as you stroll through acres of twinkling wildlife trails with exciting surprises along the way! Sleigh through the 124-foot light tunnel, explore an outdoor museum of illuminated animal portraits, carol through the park on the holiday sing-a-long express, dance at the Lakeside Light Show, meet and ride a camel, and even hang out with Santa plus much much more!

With live music and parades daily, Zoo Lights, powered by CPS Energy, is truly the WILDEST holiday light experience around.

Plan Your Visit Today

Insider Tips

Dates: Nov. 18, 2022 – January 1, 2023

Zoo Lights is included with Standard Admission and is FREE for Members.

Walk up or save time in line and book your photo with Santa here.

Zoo Lights, powered by CPS Energy, was decked with environmentally-friendly holiday lights.

Zoo Lights

More than 95 percent of the lights are LED, making them energy efficient.  By using LED lights, the zoo uses a fraction of the electricity required for conventional incandescent lights.

LEDs use about 75 to 90 percent less power than traditional lights, and each bulb has a longer life. The zoo encourages people to switch to LED lights to save energy, which has a more positive impact on the environment.

REALMS

Holiday Sing-A-Long Express

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.

IllumiLIFE: Illuminated Paintings of Wildlife

Guests can expect a NEW extraordinary realm at San Antonio Zoo this season. IllumiLIFE immerses guests in a gallery of dazzling lights and illuminations of wildlife paintings. Explore a museum of beautiful, large, mixed-media illustrations, including the Asian elephant, Sumatran Tiger, Western lowland gorilla, African wild dog, Komodo dragon, and more! IllumiLIFE, produced by artist, Russel Ronat, reveals the beauty and fragility of many species under the threat of extinction, bringing light and life together for an incredible display of wildlife.

Water Wonderland

Become immersed in an underwater adventure as jellyfish, turtles, fish, and a whale, take over the pathway with water effects 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 two NEW 15-foot tall giraffes in Starry Safari and 2 larger than life Elephant displays. 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. New this year are 36 larger than life light up flamingos! 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 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!

North Pole

Santa has made his way to the zoo! Share your Christmas list with him and hop on his sleigh for a photo. Walk up or save time in line and book your photo with Santa here.

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?

  • To purchase tickets to Zoo Lights, please click here  or become a Member.

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, s’mores, and our Project Selva 4D Theater.

Can I schedule a visit with Santa before visiting the zoo?

  • Yes, you can plan ahead and schedule your visit/photo with Santa in advance. Please use this link to book your time now.

Where should you park?

  • We have multiple areas to park such as our new Parking Garage or the parking lot by the Train Depot.

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. Please check hours of operations.

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! Please note that some attractions and exhibits will close at 5:00 p.m. Events are subject to change.

*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, experience a 4D holiday movie, and enjoy family filled activities, such as, camel rides and the exciting Pick-A-Present tent!

*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

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 $20, 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. Walk up or save time in line and book your photo with Santa here.

Project Selva 4D Theater

Your guests are invited on an extraordinary adventure to the North Pole this holiday season on THE POLAR EXPRESS™with the SimEx-Iwerks 4D Version of the Holiday Classic!

Also, put on your dancing shoes and boogie with Mumble in Happy Feet 4D Experience. Featured in digital 3D and brought to life with 4D multi-sensory effects, this is an immersive experience for the whole family to enjoy.

Pick-A-Present

Be sure to stop by the Pick-A-Present holiday tent in between Beastro Resturant and The Great Lawn! Find the present that’s calling your name and receive the magical gift inside. It’s fun for the whole family!

Thank You To Our Sponsors

Zoo Lights Powered by CPS Energy has ended. Please check back in Winter 2023.

Bigger, brighter, and WILDER than ever before – Zoo Lights, powered by CPS Energy, was here for the holiday season at San Antonio Zoo! Experience acres of dazzling lights, festive holiday snacks, and drinks for adults and kids, plus larger-than-life displays and photo-ops across miles of trails! Zoo Lights, powered by CPS Energy, ran from November 19 through January 1, 2023.

Make memories that will last a lifetime as you stroll through acres of twinkling wildlife trails with exciting surprises along the way! Sleigh through the 124-foot light tunnel, explore an outdoor museum of illuminated animal portraits, carol through the park on the holiday sing-a-long express, dance at the Lakeside Light Show, meet and ride a camel, and even hang out with Santa plus much much more!

With live music and parades daily, Zoo Lights, powered by CPS Energy, is truly the WILDEST holiday light experience around.

Plan Your Visit Today

Insider Tips

November 18, 2021 – Jan. 1, 2022!

Zoo Lights is included with Standard Admission and is FREE for Members.

Walk up or save time in line and book your photo with Santa here.

Purchase Tickets

Zoo Lights, powered by CPS Energy, is decked with environmentally-friendly holiday lights.

More than 95 percent of the lights are LED, making them energy efficient. By using LED lights, the zoo uses a fraction of the electricity required for conventional incandescent lights. LEDs use about 75 to 90 percent less power than traditional lights, and each bulb has a longer life. The zoo encourages people to switch to LED lights to save energy, which has a more positive impact on the environment.

Zoo Lights

REALMS

Holiday Sing-A-Long Express

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.

IllumiLIFE: Illuminated Paintings of Wildlife

Guests can expect a NEW extraordinary realm at San Antonio Zoo this season. IllumiLIFE immerses guests in a gallery of dazzling lights and illuminations of wildlife paintings. Explore a museum of beautiful, large, mixed-media illustrations, including the Asian elephant, Sumatran Tiger, Western lowland gorilla, African wild dog, Komodo dragon, and more! IllumiLIFE, produced by artist, Russel Ronat, reveals the beauty and fragility of many species under the threat of extinction, bringing light and life together for an incredible display of wildlife.

Water Wonderland

Become immersed in an underwater adventure as jellyfish, turtles, fish, and a whale, take over the pathway with water effects 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 two NEW 15-foot tall giraffes in Starry Safari and 2 larger than life Elephant displays. 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. New this year are 36 larger than life light up flamingos! 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 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!

North Pole

Santa has made his way to the zoo! Share your Christmas list with him and hop on his sleigh for a photo. Walk up or save time in line and book your photo with Santa here.

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?

  • To purchase tickets to Zoo Lights, please click here  or become a Member.

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, s’mores, and our Project Selva 4D Theater.

Can I schedule a visit with Santa before visiting the zoo?

  • Yes, you can plan ahead and schedule your visit/photo with Santa in advance. Please use this link to book your time now.

Where should you park?

  • We have multiple areas to park such as our new Parking Garage or the parking lot by the Train Depot.

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. Please check hours of operations.

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, experience a 4D holiday movie, and enjoy family filled activities, such as, camel rides and the exciting Pick-A-Present tent!

*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

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 $20, 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. Walk up or save time in line and book your photo with Santa here.

Project Selva 4D Theater

Your guests are invited on an extraordinary adventure to the North Pole this holiday season on THE POLAR EXPRESS™with the SimEx-Iwerks 4D Version of the Holiday Classic!

Also, put on your dancing shoes and boogie with Mumble in Happy Feet 4D Experience. Featured in digital 3D and brought to life with 4D multi-sensory effects, this is an immersive experience for the whole family to enjoy.

Pick-A-Present

Be sure to stop by the Pick-A-Present holiday tent in between Beastro Resturant and The Great Lawn! Find the present that’s calling your name and receive the magical gift inside. It’s fun for the whole family!

Thank You To Our Sponsors

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!

LEARN MORE

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIPS

Starting at $48 per person

There's always something new to see at the zoo. Each year is packed with events and exciting additions.

LEARN MORE

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San Antonio Zoo®, operated by San Antonio Zoological Society, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to securing a future for wildlife.

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VISION

Securing a future for wildlife.

Copyright © 2023 · San Antonio Zoo on

San Antonio Zoo
  • Generic selectors
    Exact matches only
    Search in title
    Search in content
    Post Type Selectors
    post
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  • Donate
  • Subscribe to Newsletter
  • Guest Information
    • Maps
    • Zoo Hours
    • Groups
    • Lost & Found
    • Dining
    • Parking
    • Directions
    • FAQ
  • Animals
  • Kiddie Park
  • Events
    • Upcoming
    • Host An Event
  • Virtual Tours
  • Experiences
  • Join The Zoo!
  • Education Programs
    • Conservation Trips
    • Scout Workshops
    • Camps
    • Twilight Tours
    • Overnights
    • Teachers & Schools
    • Zoo School
  • Merchandise
    • Adopt An Animal
    • Online Store
  • Get Involved
  • Will Smith Zoo School
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