Illustration of glowing trees reflected in a lake with visitors watching from a small footbridge (Dallas Zoo Lights)
Christmas Lights

Dallas Zoo Lights

Visitors wander through a glowing wonderland featuring over two million lights, dazzling lanterns, and larger-than-life themed areas. Highlights include visiting a Christmas Tree Farm, navigating a Holiday Maze, relaxing in igloos, and meeting Santa. Guests can also enjoy musical performances, festive holiday treats, and numerous holiday-themed photo opportunities.

Nov 13, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027 All ages

Plan Your Visit

Hours

5:30–9 p.m.

Neighborhood

South Dallas

Food & Drink

Festive holiday treats are available, but the event page gives no specific food or drink details.

Accessibility

Sensory Friendly Night on Nov. 17 has smaller crowds, quieter music and sensory havens.

Location

Dallas Zoo · 650 S. R. L. Thornton Freeway, Dallas, TX 75203 Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with children

Vibe

Festive and luminous

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Tips & Advice

  • Reserve tickets online once they go on sale Oct. 15, since the zoo asks every guest, including members, to book before visiting.
  • Choose Sensory Friendly Night on Nov. 17 if crowds or loud music are hard for your family, since it has small crowds, quieter music and sensory havens.
  • Come for the lights rather than the animals, because most of the zoo's animals are asleep before the displays switch on.
  • Join at the Patron level or above for free Zoo Lights admission, and reserve tickets for the members-only Member Night on Dec. 1.
  • Dress warmly for an evening outdoors, because you'll be walking through the maze, the tree farm and the themed areas after dark.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Sensory Friendly Night on Nov. 17 has activities for small crowds, quieter music and sensory havens.
  • Member Night on Dec. 1 is for Dallas Zoo members only, with reserved tickets.
  • President's Circle members get a VIP party with dinner, drinks and holiday festivities during Member Night on Dec. 1. Invitations are coming soon.
  • Members at the Patron level or above get free admission to Zoo Lights.
  • Tickets and combo tickets go on sale Oct. 15.

Links & Contact

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will we see the animals?

Not many. The event is built around the light displays, and most of the animals go to bed before the lights come on.

What is there to see and do?

There are over two million lights, lanterns, igloos, a Holiday Maze and a Christmas Tree Farm. You can also meet Santa, catch musical performances and stop at holiday-themed photo spots.

Is there food?

Yes, there are festive holiday treats along the way.

Is there an option for guests with sensory needs?

Yes. Sensory Friendly Night on Nov. 17 has activities planned for small crowds, quieter music and sensory havens.

Do Dallas Zoo members get anything special?

Members at the Patron level or above get into Zoo Lights free. Dec. 1 is Member Night, which is for members only and requires reserved tickets.

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We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

Contributors & Updates

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