Experience the Magic of Zoo Lights, presented by CPS Energy!
Get ready to step into a winter wonderland as San Antonio Zoo celebrates the 11th year of Zoo Lights, our biggest event of the year!
Zoo Lights will transform San Antonio Zoo into a glowing holiday escape from November 14, 2026 to January 3, 2027. Get ready to be swept away by the spirit of the season as you explore dazzling lights, festive displays, and whimsical realms filled with holiday wonder.
Immerse yourself in a world of twinkling trees, larger-than-life illuminated animals, and sweet seasonal surprises. From the festive welcome of Feliz Forest to an all-new Christmas adventure at Congo Falls, every stop brings another reason to celebrate.
Gather your family and friends and join us for the wildest holiday celebration in San Antonio!
Daily Activities
• Visit with Santa, sponsored by Beluga Air
• S’mores at Peppermint Point
Zoo Lights Realms
A Very Merry Congo Falls Christmas
NEW this year! Congo Falls has gone Christmas, featuring the TALLEST & WILDEST Christmas Tree in Texas! Marvel at this 129-foot-tall centerpiece as you explore a festive jungle filled with dazzling lights, colorful decorations, and unexpected holiday surprises. Discover something merry around every corner as Congo Falls celebrates the wildest time of the year.
Sweet Savannah Market
NEW this year! Follow the irresistible aroma of freshly roasted nuts to Sweet Savannah Market, where festive flavors and holiday cheer come together. Browse seasonal merchandise, sip holiday cocktails, and get creative decorating your own sweet treats. Shop, sip, and savor the season!
Feliz Forest
Begin your Zoo Lights adventure in Feliz Forest, where spiral trees and vibrant red, green, and blue lights create a festive welcome. With holiday cheer glowing all around you, it’s the perfect start to a night filled with wonder, wildlife, and seasonal magic.
Water Wonderland
Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea! Dive into Water Wonderland, where sparkling ocean creatures bring an underwater world to life. Discover a splash of holiday magic as the wonders of the ocean meet the spirit of the season.
Glistening Grove
Follow the glow through Glistening Grove, where twinkling lights illuminate a winding pathway. Let the sparkle of the season guide you deeper into Zoo Lights, with a little holiday wonder waiting around every bend.
Starry Safari
Stroll beneath the stars and discover some of your favorite zoo animals brought to life as larger-than-life illuminated displays. Starry Safari brings wildlife and holiday wonder together for a glowing adventure filled with picture-perfect moments.
The Great Gathering
Come together around a towering Christmas tree surrounded by larger-than-life illuminated displays. With holiday lights filling the night, The Great Gathering is a joyful place to share the magic of the season with family and friends.
Spots & Sparkles
Wild style meets holiday sparkle in Spots & Sparkles! Animal-inspired patterns, oversized ornaments, and playful garland create a festive scene with plenty of personality. Take in the details and discover a little extra shimmer at every turn.
Peppermint Point, Sponsored by Beluga Air
Step into a sweet holiday escape at Peppermint Point, Sponsored by Beluga Air, where festive red and white stripes bring the charm of a candy cane to life. Enjoy peppermint-inspired sights and delicious s’mores as you savor the sweetest moments of the season.
Gumdrop Grove, sponsored by Higginbotham
Wander through a world of sugary delights at Gumdrop Grove, Sponsored by Higginbotham! Stroll beneath a dazzling tunnel of lights surrounded by oversized candies and colorful confections. It’s a sweet holiday adventure filled with sparkle and plenty of photo-worthy fun.
Yuletide Trail
The lights at night are big and bright along the Yuletide Trail! Dazzling red, white, and blue lights illuminate a festive pathway with a Texas twist. Celebrate the season where Lone Star spirit meets holiday cheer.
Snowman Summit
Follow the hillside glow to Snowman Summit, where icy blue and cool white lights set the scene for a frosty adventure. Larger-than-life snowmen welcome you into a whimsical winter wonderland filled with holiday charm.
Lakeside Lights, sponsored by CPS Energy
Immerse yourself in the glow of Lakeside Lights, Sponsored by CPS Energy, where a towering illuminated tree reflects across the water. Shimmering curtains of light and glowing trees create a dazzling scene all around you, bringing the beauty of the season to life.
Visit with Santa, sponsored by Beluga Air
Share your holiday wishes and capture the joy of the season with a visit with Santa, Sponsored by Beluga Air. Bring the family together for a festive photo and make a Christmas memory you’ll treasure long after the lights come down.
More Ways To Celebrate This Season
Make your holiday plans a little wilder! During Zoo Lights, November 14, 2026 – January 3, 2027, discover special events, festive mornings, and Member perks that give you even more reasons to visit San Antonio Zoo. Plan a daytime adventure, make a new holiday tradition, and explore the magic of the season with us.
Zoo Salutes
November 14 – 30 during Zoo Lights season
We’re honoring active duty, retired, and veteran military members, National Guard, and reserves with FREE admission during November. Up to four immediate family members can receive 50% off Admission Tickets. Valid Military ID required; offer restrictions apply.
Breakfast with Santa
November 15, 21, 22, 28 and 29; December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 21 and 22 | 8:30 am – 11:00 am
Start your day with a little Christmas magic on the Fiesta Rooftop Terrace! Enjoy an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet, an Animal Ambassador appearance, and a visit and photo with Santa. Separate Breakfast with Santa tickets and zoo admission are required.
Wild Bites
November 21
Discover the wild side of mealtime as select animals participate in special whole-prey feedings. This unique viewing experience is included with zoo admission and Membership.
Member Giveaway Pin Days
November 22 – Juba | December 12 – Shana
Add a little wild style to your collection with our gorilla pin series! Mark your calendar for two Member giveaway dates during Zoo Lights season. An active ZooBand is required; pins are available while supplies last.
Community Locals Days
November 26 and 27; December 4 and 25
Make more holiday memories with $8 admission on select Community Locals Days. Gather your family and friends for a visit filled with wildlife and seasonal fun. Visit the event calendar for ticket details.
Tiny Tot Tuesday
December 1 | 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Bring your tiniest explorers, ages 0–3, for a day of discovery! Enjoy sensory fun and opportunities to connect little ones with the wonders of nature.
Member Appreciation Day
December 19
Celebrate the season with special perks just for Members! Enjoy Bring a Friend Free and a Member giveaway while supplies last. Present your active Membership or ZooBand to redeem available benefits.
New Year’s Eve Dog Day
December 31 | 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Close out the year with your four-legged best friend! Bring your pup for a day of adventure and New Year’s Eve fun around our zoo. A separate Dog Day ticket is required for each dog, along with zoo admission or an active Membership for each guest.
Make This Holiday Season One Your Family Will Always Remember!
Come Celebrate Zoo Lights presented by PNC, with colorful realms, daily holiday fun, live entertainment, seasonal flavors and incredible wildlife experiences.
Zoo Lights runs November 14 through January 3 and is included with standard admission and always FREE for Members.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of admission for Zoo Lights?
Zoo Lights is included in Membership & Standard Admission.
Can I schedule a visit with Santa before visiting our zoo?
Yes, you can plan ahead and schedule your visit/photo with Santa in advance.
Where should I 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 operation.