When is Houston Zoo Lights 2026?

The zoo's event calendar lists Zoo Lights from November 19, 2026 to January 4, 2027. The 2025 season ran from November 21, 2025 to January 4, 2026; 2026 hours and prices are not published yet.

How much are Houston Zoo Lights tickets?

In 2025, $29.95–$32.95 on regular nights and $34.95–$39.95 on peak nights, depending on your entry time. Adults and children pay the same; kids 2 and under are free.

What are the hours for Houston Zoo Lights?

In 2025 it was open 5:30 to 10:30 pm with last entry at 9:30 pm, closed on December 3, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Do you need timed tickets?

Yes. Tickets are sold online only and each one has an entry time. Late slots are the cheapest and the least crowded.

Where do you park for Zoo Lights?

The zoo has no lot of its own and Hermann Park's free spaces fill fast. The zoo's own advice is the 6400 Fannin garage plus a short METRORail ride.

Is Houston Zoo Lights worth it?

For families with small kids, yes: a clear marked path, synchronized light shows and animated scenes. Go late — by 9 pm the crowds thin out and photos are easy.

Illustration

Zoo · Hermann Park, Museum District · Ticketed

Houston Zoo Lights 2026

The zoo transformed after dark with synchronized light shows, animated displays and colour everywhere along a clearly marked path through Hermann Park.

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

Google 4.6 ★ · 44,184 reviews

At a glance

2026 dates: November 19, 2026 – January 4, 2027 (hours and 2026 ticket prices not yet published; 2025 numbers below)
Hours (2025): 5:30–10:30 pm, last entry 9:30 pm. Closed Dec 3, Dec 24 and Dec 25
Tickets (2025): $29.95–$32.95 on regular nights, $34.95–$39.95 on peak nights — cheapest at the latest entry times. Same price for adults and kids; 2 and under free
Buying: Online only, with a timed entry slot. Members 20% off; military, first responders and educators 10% off
Parking: No zoo lot. Park at the 6400 Fannin garage and take the METRORail Red Line to Memorial Hermann Hospital/Houston Zoo

Is it worth it?

The easy pick with small kids. Take the METRORail rather than fighting for parking.

What visitors say

The zoo is one of the best-rated places in Houston, and a visitor who came for the holiday light show called it spectacular — synchronized and animated displays, more colours than they could describe, and a well-marked path. The usual complaint is getting there through the traffic and finding parking.

Synchronized light displays
Animated scenes
Easy marked path
METRORail stop nearby

Getting there and getting in

The zoo has no parking lot of its own. There is free parking in Hermann Park, but it fills up.
The zoo's own advice: park at the 6400 Fannin garage and take the METRORail Red Line to Memorial Hermann Hospital/Houston Zoo, then walk about ten minutes through Hermann Park.

Worth knowing

Strollers, wagons and wheelchairs can be rented at the zoo.
Pets aren't allowed, except service animals.

Open in Google Maps

Official site

Questions people ask

When is Houston Zoo Lights 2026?: The zoo's event calendar lists Zoo Lights from November 19, 2026 to January 4, 2027. The 2025 season ran from November 21, 2025 to January 4, 2026; 2026 hours and prices are not published yet.
How much are Houston Zoo Lights tickets?: In 2025, $29.95–$32.95 on regular nights and $34.95–$39.95 on peak nights, depending on your entry time. Adults and children pay the same; kids 2 and under are free.
What are the hours for Houston Zoo Lights?: In 2025 it was open 5:30 to 10:30 pm with last entry at 9:30 pm, closed on December 3, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Do you need timed tickets?: Yes. Tickets are sold online only and each one has an entry time. Late slots are the cheapest and the least crowded.
Where do you park for Zoo Lights?: The zoo has no lot of its own and Hermann Park's free spaces fill fast. The zoo's own advice is the 6400 Fannin garage plus a short METRORail ride.
Is Houston Zoo Lights worth it?: For families with small kids, yes: a clear marked path, synchronized light shows and animated scenes. Go late — by 9 pm the crowds thin out and photos are easy.

Checked 2026-09-29. Sources: Houston on the Cheap — Zoo Lights 2025 · Houston Zoo — plan your Zoo Lights visit. Last season's numbers are labelled with their year until the organiser publishes 2026.

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