How much do Dallas Zoo Lights cost?

In 2025 tickets started at $18 for adults and $16 for children 3–11; kids 2 and under were free. Members paid from $15 and $13. Parking was $14.

When is Dallas Zoo Lights 2026?

Select nights from November 13, 2026 to January 3, 2027, 5:30 to 9 pm; tickets go on sale October 15, 2026. (2025 ran from November 14 to January 4.)

Does the Dallas Zoo have lights at night?

Only during Zoo Lights: the zoo reopens in the evening with timed entry at 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 pm (2025).

Are Dallas Zoo Lights worth it?

For young kids, yes — short walks, huge animal lanterns and Santa, for less than most Dallas light shows. Take the DART Red Line and skip the parking.

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Zoo · South Dallas · Ticketed

Dallas Zoo Lights 2026

The zoo after dark, with more than two million lights and giant silk lanterns shaped like the animals you'd see there in the day. It's walked on foot, with Santa, live music and hot treats along the way — an easy evening with small children.

2026 dates not announced yet — last season below, marked by year

Google 4.5 ★ · 24,404 reviews

At a glance

2026 dates: Select nights, November 13, 2026 – January 3, 2027, 5:30–9 pm. Tickets go on sale October 15, 2026
Tickets (2025): Adults from $18, children 3–11 from $16, 2 and under free. Members from $15 / $13
Entry (2025): Timed slots at 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 pm
Getting there: Parking $14, or DART Red Line to Dallas Zoo Station, across from the gates
What's there: More than two million lights, giant silk animal lanterns, Santa at the back of the zoo, live music, hot treats

Is it worth it?

The easy choice with small kids: flat paths, huge glowing animals, Santa, and you're done before bedtime.

What visitors say

The zoo is well liked overall. Visitors who saw the lantern displays called them the highlight of their visit; the most common complaint is paying for parking on top of tickets.

2+ million lights
Giant silk animal lanterns
Santa meet-and-greet
Live music
Holiday treats
Dinosaur exhibit

Getting there and getting in

Parking is $14 and one ticket covers a day visit and Zoo Lights the same evening. The zoo notes the price changes Oct 1.
DART Red Line to Dallas Zoo Station drops you across from the front gates.

Worth knowing

Zoo members at patron level and above get Zoo Lights free.
Bring your own stroller, wagon or wheelchair — all are allowed. Pets are not.

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Official site

Questions people ask

How much do Dallas Zoo Lights cost?: In 2025 tickets started at $18 for adults and $16 for children 3–11; kids 2 and under were free. Members paid from $15 and $13. Parking was $14.
When is Dallas Zoo Lights 2026?: Select nights from November 13, 2026 to January 3, 2027, 5:30 to 9 pm; tickets go on sale October 15, 2026. (2025 ran from November 14 to January 4.)
Does the Dallas Zoo have lights at night?: Only during Zoo Lights: the zoo reopens in the evening with timed entry at 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 pm (2025).
Are Dallas Zoo Lights worth it?: For young kids, yes — short walks, huge animal lanterns and Santa, for less than most Dallas light shows. Take the DART Red Line and skip the parking.

Checked 2026-09-30. Sources: Dallas Zoo — Zoo Lights · Advocate Oak Cliff — 2025 tickets. Last season's numbers are labelled with their year until the organiser publishes 2026.

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