Your evening stroll is about to get a festive upgrade. Dallas Zoo Lights is returning for its 10th season, transforming part of the zoo into a walk-through wonderland filled with more than two million lights, larger-than-life wildlife lanterns, and holiday surprises.
Presented by Reliant, the seasonal celebration runs on select nights from November 13, through January 3, 2027. Gates open for the evening experience at 5:30 p.m., giving Dallasites a chance to swap their usual night out for an after-dark adventure among glowing displays.
Reliant
What can you expect at Dallas Zoo Lights?
Think illuminated wildlife, oversized displays, and themed areas designed to bring holiday traditions to life. This year’s experience features more than two million lights, wildlife lanterns, seasonal treats, and plenty of opportunities to stop for a festive photo.
The event is a walk-through experience—not a drive-through—and takes place around the zoo’s Main Entrance, ZooNorth, and the Dallas Zoo tunnel. Visitors can explore on foot, taking in the lights and themed installations along the way.
Whether you’re planning a family outing or looking for a festive date-night idea, the focus is on enjoying the zoo in a different light: after dark, with holiday displays taking center stage.
You can add an afternoon zoo visit for $10 more
Want to turn your evening outing into a longer adventure? The Dallas Zoo Lights Combo Ticket lets visitors enter the zoo starting at 2:30 p.m. to see the animals before staying for the lights after dark.
The daytime add-on costs $10 more than your Zoo Lights ticket. It’s a useful option if you want both experiences, rather than booking only the evening light display.
Featured image courtesy of Dallas Zoological Park
How much are Dallas Zoo Lights tickets?
Public tickets start at $19, with pricing varying by date. Dual through Passport members receive 20% off public pricing, while admission is free for Patron members and above.
The zoo asks visitors to purchase tickets online in advance. Since the event runs on select nights rather than every evening throughout the season, check the official calendar before making plans.
When and where is Dallas Zoo Lights?
Dallas Zoo Lights runs from 5:30–9 p.m. on select nights between November 13, 2026, and January 3, 2027, at Dallas Zoo, 650 S. R. L. Thornton Freeway, Dallas, TX 75203.
The essentials
Dates: Select nights, November 13, 2026–January 3, 2027.
Hours: 5:30–9 p.m.
Location: Dallas Zoo, 650 S. R. L. Thornton Freeway, Dallas.
Tickets: Starting at $19 for the public; eligible member discounts available.
Optional add-on: Afternoon zoo admission from 2:30 p.m. for $10 more.
Format: An outdoor walk-through experience across designated areas of the zoo.
Tickets are on sale now through the Dallas Zoo website