Zoo Lights San Antonio: 2025 In-Depth Guide

Ready to step into an enchanting holiday celebration where millions of LEDs shimmer across winding walkways, life-size animal lanterns glow at every turn, and the scent of hot cocoa lingers in the air? San Antonio Zoo Lights—powered by CPS Energy—returns November 16 through December 31, 2025, transforming the historic 110-year-old San Antonio Zoo into a bigger, brighter, and wilder winter wonderland than ever before.

With dazzling themed zones like Polar Playground and Peppermint Path, immersive lakeside light shows, and plenty of festive treats, this beloved tradition becomes a sparkling storybook of holiday cheer for guests of every age.

Twinkling Trails & Dazzling Zones

Every corner of the San Antonio Zoo bursts with color and creativity:

  • Peppermint Path: Stroll through a mesmerizing, 124-foot LED tunnel surrounded by candy-cane hues and whimsical displays.
  • Starry Safari (presented by Higginbotham): Featuring towering, 15-foot illuminated giraffe and zebra lanterns for breathtaking photo ops.
  • Water Wonderland (presented by Baptist Health Systems): Marvel as aquatic projections and rippling light displays dance across walkways, creating an undersea-inspired magical realm.
  • “Fa La La Flamingos”: A brightly lit flock of festive flamingos brings the holidays to life with a neon twist.
  • Polar Playground: A frosty blue zone just for kids, with sparkling play structures and interactive games.
  • Lakeside Lightshow (NEW for 2025): Witness a fully choreographed spectacle on Big Lake, powered by all-new pixel technology that synchronizes light, color, and music for a show that’s never the same twice.
  • XXL Animal Lanterns (NEW): Discover even larger-than-life illuminated animal portraits scattered across the zoo.
  • Interactive QR Guides (NEW): Scan signs throughout the zoo for personalized holiday content, fun animal facts, and secret selfie spots.

Additional highlights include roasting s’mores by a crackling campfire, riding the magical Holiday Express train, sipping seasonal cocktails at open-air lounges, and snapping selfies beneath towering LED trees.

Mark Your Holiday Calendar

Plan your perfect night at Zoo Lights San Antonio, 3903 N St Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX 78212 with nightly glow times, sensory-friendly evenings, and festive extras for every guest.

Zoo Lights flips the switch nightly from November 15 – December 31, 2025. The lights begin at sunset and glow until closing—typically 6:00 p.m. on weekdays and 9:00 p.m. on peak weekends.

Sensory-friendly evenings return on December 10 and 17, featuring softer music, reduced crowd sizes, and limited strobe effects to ensure all guests can share in the holiday magic.

San Antonio Zoo members get free entry to Zoo Lights. General admission and special Zoo Lights tickets are available for non-members and grant access to all holiday displays and activities.

Perfect for Families, Date Nights, and Out-of-Town Guests

Whether you’re sipping cocoa or chasing selfies under the stars, Zoo Lights delights every generation.

Kids delight in glowing snowmen, teens pose for TikTok beneath neon arches, and grandparents enjoy smooth, stroller- and wheelchair-friendly pathways. Extend your experience with daytime animal encounters and make it a full family adventure, or arrive after dark for a cozy stroll beneath the stars.

children pointing at rhino bush in christmas lights at san antonio zoo
photo credit: San Antonio Zoo

What Makes 2025 Shine Even Brighter

This season introduces several brand-new enhancements:

  • Choreographed Lakeside Lightshow: Dazzling pixel technology brings Big Lake to life with ever-changing music and animation.
  • XXL Animal Portraits: Even more impressive lanterns and life-sized sculptures accent every zone.
  • QR-Enabled Guides: Scan, interact, and learn as you explore—making your visit both festive and educational!
  • Sustainability Focus: Over 95% of the lights are energy-efficient LEDs, reducing energy use and supporting the zoo’s green initiatives.

Expect longer light tunnels, richer animations, dynamic holiday playlists, and new food & beverage offerings to make each visit unique.

Stress-Free Parking Tips

Glide into the glow with easy garage parking, ADA access, and zero guesswork on where to go.

Avoid the hassle and park directly at the zoo’s multilevel Parking Garage (3903 N. St Mary’s St.) for around $12 per evening. Elevators provide easy access, and it’s just a two-minute walk to the main gate.

Surface lots near the Train Depot fill fast on weekends—arrive early or consider Ridesharing for prime-time Saturday visits. The parking garage offers ADA-accessible spaces, EV charging, and bike racks to start your evening merrily.

Light Up Your Holidays Without the Hassle

Planning a cozy winter escape? Tripster makes it easy to bundle San Antonio Zoo tickets with River Walk cruises, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, and nearby hotels—all in one sparkling, stress-free checkout.

Score exclusive discounts, flexible vacation packages, and VIP digital tickets so you can spend more time making memories and less time managing bookings.

Book your San Antonio holiday adventure now and let Tripster help your season shine.


Details

Start Date:

November 15, 2025

End Date:

December 31, 2025

Categories:

Venue

San Antonio Zoo

3903 N St Mary's St
San Antonio, TX 78212 United States

Map


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Written by Dorothy Field

Dorothy is a seasoned SEO writer and copywriter with over 5 years of experience. Based in Manila, Philippines, she's had the privilege of...


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