Houston’s Favorite Holiday Stroll Returns—Taking Time to Enjoy Houston Zoo’s Annual “Zoo Lights”
Even during a pandemic, Houstonians’ excitement abounds for “Zoo Lights,” presented by TXU Energy.
Eight years ago, Lonnie Hanzon and his Lakewood, Colorado company Hanzon Studios, created, produced and installed Houston Zoo Lights for the Houston Zoo. Sponsored by TXU Energy, “Zoo Lights” became the largest holiday light show in the nation and drawing the largest audience of any show of its kind.
Their vision behind this premise was to combine the majesty of the animal kingdom with an emphasis on conservation and a sense of wonderment and visual imagination that the whole family could enjoy together. They designed and crafted everything in the zoo exhibits. Delights and highlights of this annual event include: a 125-foot-long “Infinity Tunnel of Light,” which guests can stroll through, a lighted castle, a miniature village complete with working model trains, holiday disco, animatronic zebras, a luminous garden, a 30 ft. high Christmas tree hung with hand-made ornaments, lighted plant and animal sculptures, a bedazzled art car, and countless other surprising and remarkable creations. Elated guests have the opportunity to see dragons come to life in the 4-D Enchanted Forest and experience “snow” in Texas!
Sip hot chocolate as you meander through the beautifully lit-up grounds and take in the sights and sounds of the season. Interact with Candy the Zoo Lights Zebra presented by H-E-B, get a selfie on a giant ice throne, and take a socially distanced photo with Santa as he prepares for the holidays in his workshop!
Some regulations have changed due to the pandemic. Tickets will NOT be available for purchase at the gate. You will need to reserve and purchase them online. Ticket prices are the same for adults and children. Children ages 1 and under are free. Houston Zoo Members save $3 per ticket when you log in to purchase. For the safety of Zoo staff, guests and animals, visitors 10 years and older are required to wear facial coverings that cover their nose and mouth.
There are two VIP Experience Nights on December 19th and 26th, which includes (for $75 each) daytime Zoo admission, a complimentary meal at Cypress Circle Café and exclusive access to Zoo Lights before the public. VIP guests must enter the Zoo no later than 3:00 p.m. to access the VIP reception area. Zoo Lights access begins at 5:30 p.m.
Another feature of this event which I find noteworthy is that you can recycle your old or broken holiday lights at the Zoo’s main entrance. Since 2016, 20,019 pounds of holiday lights have been recycled at the Zoo – the weight of approximately two male Asian elephants!
Hats Off to Houston Zoo for this yearly fun-filled gathering or should I say “Hats On, Scarves On and Coats On,” on these chilly nights. What a great reason to leave the house!
For more information, visit their website at Zoo Lights link
