San Antonio Zoo Lights
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This weekend the San Antonio Zoo started their annual Happy Zoolidays Zoo Lights! The zoo has been transformed into a wild, winter wonderland filled with a jaw-dropping array of twinkling lights. My family and I went to enjoy the festivities and had a great time. The light displays were amazing and we enjoyed walking around sipping hot cocoa and eating s’mores while shopping for Christmas ornaments. This festive holiday event is open daily November 20 – January 3rd and will be sure to become a holiday tradition for the whole family!
The holiday festivities are even bigger this year with the world premiere of Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects Trail, made with over 3million LEGO bricks, joins this year’s Whataburger Zoo Lights with an illuminated twist!
Always striving to secure a future for wildlife, the zoo is decked with environmentally friendly Christmas lights. More than 95 percent of the lights are LED, making them energy efficient. By using LED lights, the zoo uses a fraction of the electricity required for conventional incandescent lights. LEDs use about 75 to 90 percent less power than traditional lights, and each bulb has a longer life. The zoo encourages people to switch to LED lights to save energy, which positively impacts the environment.
EVENTS & SHOWS:
Lakeside Lightshow
San Antonio’s holiday vibe is represented in the refreshed high-energy Lakeside Light
Show! Featuring pixel technology combined with a custom soundtrack, this energetic show will get guests dancing to their favorite Christmas tunes along with Latin-inspired songs.
ADVISORY: This show consists of loud music and continuous flashing lights. Please be aware if you have photo or sensory sensitivity.
Reindeer Row
Stop by and view these life-size reindeer beautifully lit to capture the season’s essence and spirit.
Holiday Plaza
As you enter the zoo, take a family photo in front of our iconic Lion’s Pride statue, complete with festive Christmas lights and large ornaments with some zoo-nique décor!
Starry Safari
Enjoy life-sized illuminated animals from the savanna, including a 15-foot tall illuminated giraffe. Stroll through our NEW Tree Trail located in Starry Safari (Great Lawn), enjoy a sea of bright lights and Christmas trees! It’s the perfect place to have a winter-themed photo shoot for your family and friends. You might even recognize some of the zoo’s iconic themes like Kiddie Park, Will Smith Zoo School, and Cowboy, the zoo’s mascot. Stop by NEW Tinsel Tots, this new kid-friendly shop designed for little ones to pick out a present for their loved ones is located in Discovery House. Hey kids, want to give your parents the perfect present? For $10, little ones can receive “Elf Bucks” to go shopping in an age-appropriate shop designed to pick out and wrap the perfect gift for their loved ones with help from our elves!
FAO Schwarz Tony Parker Animal Collection
Even BIGGER than before will be the FAO Schwarz Tony Parker Animal Collection. Retired Spurs point guard, Zoo Board Member, and long-time supporter of the zoo, Tony Parker, generously donated his collection of unique plush animals from the famed toy store for Whataburger Zoo Lights. These lovable animals are located in the Beastro Restaurant and available for fun, unforgettable selfies!
Camel Holiday Trek
Take an unforgettable journey to experience this unique animal adventure complete with camel rides. Stroll among twinkling light displays that have transformed Kronkosky’s Tiny Tot Nature Spot.
Polar Point
Covered with twinkling blue lights and giant snowmen, Polar Point will make you feel like you’re in the Arctic. Plus, families can visit Santa’s Workshop and hop in Santa’s sleigh to take a socially-distanced photo. Don’t forget to share your Christmas wish list with him too!
Fa La La Flamingo
Deck the halls with smiles and laughter while in Fa La La Flamingo! These lights will have you tickled pink as you walk under illuminated flying flamingos.
Lights of Africa
Take a journey through Africa in San Antonio decorated with red and yellow lights along Big Cat Valley.
GAMES & ACTIVITIES
Visit with Santa, ride the Holiday Express, and experience activities such as camel rides
*Additional fees may apply.
Live Theatre Performances
NEW this year is the C&C !mpact Youth Theater LIVE performances taking place select Fridays and Saturdays during the hours of 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Enjoy stories of the season told through
youth performances.
Camel Rides
Experience this unique animal adventure and take a journey along twinkling lights while on a camel. Get up-to these majestic animals like never before with experts on hand to guide you around a track while riding a trained camel. Camel rides are available daily and located in Kronkosky’s Tiny Tot Nature Spot.
Holiday Express
All aboard the Holiday Express train ride! Embark on an unforgettable journey through Brackenridge Park that includes a special gift from Santa. Tickets can be purchased at the Train Depot.
Pick A Present
For all the good little girls and boys, Santa left a few presents to take home and place under your Christmas tree. Stop by and pick a present! Winner every time!
Visit Santa
Come tell Santa what you would like for Christmas and take a photo with him.
Cookie Decorating
Every night you will be able to decorate cookies at Santa’s Workshop
Festive Eats
Get into the holiday spirit and roast marshmallows by the fire or enjoy some of your favorite Christmas time treats like hot cocoa and cookies!
*Additional fees may apply.
S’mores & More
Get into the holiday spirit and roast marshmallows by the fire. Gather around to Whataburger Zoo Lights campfire and savor the irresistible goodness of a s’mores treat. Hot cocoa is also available at these stations to accompany these tasty snacks.
*Additional fees may apply.
Long Necks Bar and Grill
Relax, enjoy, take in the fabulous view from an African-inspired open-air cafe, while feasting on American classic flavor with a Southwest twist.
Beastro Restaurant
Spacious and trendy, Beastro Restaurant offers a great view of the zoo’s impressive carousel and lake as well as delicious burgers and pizza. Dessert options are also available.
There’s so much to see and do! Whataburger Zoo Lights is included with standard zoo admission and FREE for Annual Passholders and Members. Operating hours Fridays: 12:00 – 9:00 p.m., Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., Sundays: 12:00 – 9:00 p.m. Mondays – Thursdays 11/22 – 11/27: 12:00 – 9:00 p.m., 11/30 – 12/17: 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., 12/21 – 12/31: 12:00 – 9:00 p.m., 1/1 – 1/3: 11am – 7pm
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