The Holidays Get Taller & Wilder at San Antonio Zoo with Zoo Lights 2026
Zoo Lights powered by CPS Energy returns beginning November 14 with all new towering 129-foot Christmas tree

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – November 9, 2026 – It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at San Antonio Zoo! The beloved holiday tradition, Zoo Lights powered by CPS Energy, returns daily November 14, 2026, through January 3, 2027, transforming the zoo into a dazzling winter wonderland filled with miles of sparkling lights, glowing tunnels, festive music and unforgettable family fun.

This year, the holiday magic reaches new heights with the debut of A Very Congo Falls Christmas, an all-new festive transformation of the zoo’s largest and most innovative expansion to date. At the heart of the experience is the tallest & wildest Christmas tree in Texas, transforming the already iconic Mays Family Silverback Peak into a towering holiday spectacle reaching an impressive 129 feet!

Home to seven western lowland gorillas, Congo Falls will be decked out for the holidays with twinkling trees, colorful Christmas lights, and whimsical gorilla-inspired snowflakes throughout the guest experience. From illuminated walkways to festive surprises around every corner, this one-of-a-kind holiday experience brings a whole new meaning to going wild for Christmas!

"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, President & CEO of San Antonio Zoo. "This year, we're especially excited to introduce A Very Congo Falls Christmas, bringing a festive new experience to our incredible gorilla habitat. We're proud to create a place where families can come together, celebrate the holidays, and make memories that last a lifetime."

Beyond Congo Falls, guests can explore 13 immersive holiday realms throughout the zoo, each bringing its own unique sparkle to the season. From glowing tunnels and larger-than-life decorations to whimsical photo opportunities, Zoo Lights offers holiday magic for guests of all ages.

New and returning highlights include:

  • A Very Congo Falls Christmas (NEW!): Experience the magic of Christmas in the heart of Congo Falls, featuring dazzling lights, festive trees, oversized ornaments, and gorilla-inspired holiday decorations featuring the tallest & wildest Christmas tree in Texas.
  • Sweet Savanna Market (NEW!): Discover a festive new holiday marketplace in the zoo's savanna area, adding even more seasonal charm to the experience.
  • Spekboom Holiday Transformation (NEW!): Spekboom Lodge gets a sweet holiday makeover with oversized peppermint decorations, colorful gumdrops, and gingerbread-inspired details.
  • Lakeside Lights: Watch the night come alive with a dazzling holiday light show.
  • Photos with Santa: Capture special holiday memories with Santa at Beastro Restaurant, available by reservation on select dates and times.
  • 13 Holiday Realms: Explore festive favorites including Feliz Forest, Water Wonderland, Glistening Grove, Starry Safari, Peppermint Pointe, Gumdrop Grove, Snowman Summit, and more!

Guests can also enjoy festive music throughout the zoo, seasonal treats, warm beverages, and cozy holiday add-ons available for purchase, making Zoo Lights the perfect place to create lasting memories with family and friends.

Zoo Lights is included with standard zoo admission and is FREE for San Antonio Zoo Members. Guests can enjoy the holiday festivities during the event's after-hours experience, with select activities and seasonal offerings available for an additional purchase.

For more information about Zoo Lights and to purchase tickets, visit www.sazoo.org.

 

About San Antonio Zoological Society

San Antonio Zoological Society was established in 1929 and is a nonprofit organization committed to securing a future for wildlife. The society operates San Antonio Zoo, Will Smith Zoo School, Edutainment, Center for Conservation and Research at San Antonio Zoo, and Kiddie Park. 

About San Antonio Zoo

San Antonio Zoo®, operating since 1914, is a nonprofit zoological facility committed to securing a future for wildlife. Through its passion and expertise in animal care, conservation, and education, the zoo's mission is to inspire its community to love, engage with, act for and protect animals and the places they live. The zoo welcomes more than a million visitors each year and is open year-round. San Antonio Zoo operates the largest nature-based preschool in the country, Will Smith Zoo School, the Center for Conservation and Research, and Kiddie Park. San Antonio Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Zoological Association of America, the American Animal Hospital Association, and Humane Certified by American Humane.