San Antonio’s most beloved holiday tradition is switching on the lights early this year. San Antonio Zoo has announced that zoo Lights, its annual after-dark celebration, will run from November 14 through December 31, 2026, transforming the zoo into a glowing wonderland of larger-than-life lanterns, festive displays and family fun — all included with standard zoo admission.
The headline act for 2026 is a cheerful one: Twisty, the zoo’s red panda, stars in an all-new Lakeside Lightshow. Families can gather by the water as lights dance across the lake in a show built around one of the zoo’s most popular residents. And for the tiniest visitors, the zoo is adding a brand-new Tiny Tot Area in Zootennial Plaza, designed especially for little ones ages five and under to play, explore and soak up the season at their own pace.
Beyond the lights, an evening at zoo Lights is a full holiday outing. Expect photo stops around every corner, seasonal treats, and that cozy feeling of strolling the grounds after dark while the animals settle in. Because the event is included with daytime admission — and free for zoo members — it is one of the easiest ways in the city to stretch a family day at the zoo into a sparkling night.
zoo Lights runs nightly from November 14 to December 31, 2026, at San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s Street. Happy City News recommends arriving before sunset: catch your favorite animals in the golden hour, then watch the whole zoo light up around you.
Photo: San Antonio Zoo
