Zoo Lights Returns November 14 With the Tallest Christmas Tree in Texas

San Antonio Zoo is flipping the switch on the holiday season. Zoo Lights, powered by CPS Energy, returns daily from November 14, 2026 through January 3, 2027, filling the zoo with miles of sparkling lights, glowing tunnels and festive music. The zoo has operated since 1914 and welcomes more than a million visitors each year.

A Very Congo Falls Christmas

The big news this year is A Very Congo Falls Christmas, a festive transformation of the zoo’s newest and largest habitat. At its center, the Mays Family Silverback Peak becomes what the zoo calls the tallest and wildest Christmas tree in Texas, reaching 129 feet. Congo Falls is home to seven western lowland gorillas, and the habitat will be decked out with twinkling trees, colorful lights and gorilla inspired snowflakes.

Thirteen Holiday Realms

Beyond Congo Falls, guests can wander through 13 immersive holiday realms, including Feliz Forest, Water Wonderland, Glistening Grove, Starry Safari, Peppermint Pointe, Gumdrop Grove and Snowman Summit. New this year, the Sweet Savanna Market adds a holiday marketplace in the savanna area, and Spekboom Lodge gets a sweet makeover with oversized peppermints, gumdrops and gingerbread inspired details. The Lakeside Lights show returns, and families can reserve photos with Santa at Beastro Restaurant on select dates.

Plan Your Visit

Zoo Lights is included with standard zoo admission and is free for zoo members, with seasonal treats, warm beverages and holiday add ons available for purchase. “Zoo Lights is one of San Antonio’s most cherished holiday traditions, and we’re always looking for new ways to make the holiday season bigger, brighter and wilder,” said Tim Morrow, the zoo’s president and CEO, in the announcement. For tickets and details, visit sazoo.org, and pair your evening with more seasonal ideas on our events calendar.