The holiday season is in full gear at the OKC Zoo with the Military Appreciation Celebration, OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS, Breakfast with Santa events, a Gayla Peevey sing-along, and more!

RESERVATIONS NOW OPEN FOR OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15 THROUGH SUNDAY, JANUARY 4, 2025

The magic of OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS, presented by OG&E, returns for another holiday season of new lanterns and interactive holiday fun. Guests of all ages can discover larger-than-life illuminated lanterns highlighting wildlife and seasonal scenes while on a 20-minute driving tour through the OKC Zoo. After the driving tour, guests can park and re-enter the Zoo for an additional walking experience that begins in the entry plaza. The walking tour includes more lanterns, interactive displays, and picture-perfect photo opportunities. Savor the evening with a menu of sweet treats and tasty beverages available for purchase in the Safari Café and Canopy Restaurant. Adding extra sparkle to SAFARI LIGHTS, the Zoo is offering one-of-a-kind Igloos to rent during the event and VIP Sleigh Ride Adventures to reserve. Learn more at www.okczoo.org/safarilights. Don’t forget to pop by the Zoo’s Safari Gift Shop to check out a wide selection of one-of-a-kind toys and gift ideas.

OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS begins Saturday, November 15, and runs nightly through Sunday, January 4, 2026 with drive-thru and walk-thru experiences from 5:30 to 11 p.m. with the last check-in at 10 p.m. OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS will be open on holiday nights including Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day. Online reservations are required for OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS and can be made at www.okczoo.org/safarilights. Drive-up purchases will not be accepted. Tickets are limited to ensure optimal guest experience. Event pricing varies based on visit date. ZOOfriends members receive a $10 discount on drive-thru admissions and a $2 discount on additional walk-thru admissions. OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS is presented by OG&E and supporting sponsors include Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, Devon Energy, MidFirst Bank, and Homeland. Interactive sponsors are Continental Resources, Claudia Holliman, and Enbrighten. Highlight sponsors include The Chickasaw Nation, TTCU, Robot House, Lawrence H & Ronna C Davis, The Midgett Family, John Stuemky & James Brand, The Kerr Foundation, Express Employment International, E.L. & Thelma Gaylord Foundation, and Christi and Nolan Coyle. OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS is produced by the Oklahoma City Zoo and Tianyu Culture.

The Zoo is in search of volunteers to assist with OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS in various capacities. SAFARI LIGHTS is also an ideal opportunity for group volunteers and individuals. Learn more at www.okczoo.org/volunteer.

 

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1 THROUGH FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14: MILITARY APPRECIATION CELEBRATION AT THE OKC ZOO

The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is honoring our military men and women with a Military Appreciation Celebration. From Saturday, November 1 through Friday, November 14, all active duty, retired, and veteran members of the military, National Guard and Reserves will receive free general Zoo admission, and special discounts while in the park. Military members will also receive $10 general Zoo admissions for up to four immediate family members on date of visit. Valid military ID is required to receive complimentary general admission. Qualifying guests can show their military ID at any Zoo ticket window to receive discounts. Military members will also enjoy the following discounts while visiting the Zoo during November with proof of valid ID:

  • 10% off merchandise at the Zoo’s Safari Gift Shop.
  • 10% off concession purchases in the park.
  • $10 off any membership level! Memberships must be purchased in-person at the Zoo and military members must be named on the membership.

 

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11: OKC ZOO HOSTS “I WANT A HIPPOPOTAMUS FOR CHRISTMAS” SING-ALONG WITH GAYLA PEEVEY

Oklahoma City native Gayla Peevey, original singer of “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas,” visits the OKC Zoo with a sing-along and autograph session at the Love’s Pachyderm building in Expedition Africa. The classic Christmas tune was used to raise money to purchase a Nile hippopotamus, which was then donated to the Zoo on Christmas Eve 1953. The event is Tuesday, November 11, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and is included free with general Zoo admission. Commemorative hippo shirts and more will be available for purchase at this event and in the Zoo’s Safari Gift Shop located in the entry plaza throughout the holiday season.

 

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15: COCA-COLA HOLIDAY CARAVAN

The Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan rolls into the OKC Zoo on Saturday, November 15 from noon to 2:30 p.m. Guests can get free photos with Santa, sample a variety of Coke products and Costa Coffee, and more. The Coca-Cola caravan will be setup in the Zoo’s parking lot and free to attend. Regular admission required for Zoo entry.  

 

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20: MISTLETOE MINGLE 21-AND-OLDER EVENT

Ready to sleigh your holiday season? Join us for Mistletoe Mingle on Thursday, November 20 from 6 to 10 p.m. The adults (ages 21 and older) only evening of dazzling displays of holiday and animal themed lanterns, festive cocktails, spiked cocoa, and holiday bites you won’t find anywhere else. It’s everything you love about SAFARI LIGHTS, with a little extra spirit and no kids! Reserve tickets here.

 

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27: THANKSGIVING DAY, OKC ZOO IS CLOSED FOR THE DAY BUT OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS IS OPEN

Introduce a new Thanksgiving Day holiday tradition to your crew and make plans to experience OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS! The Zoo’s popular lantern event is bigger and better than ever, and will be open on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27, from 5:30 to 11 p.m. with the last entry at 10 p.m. Reservations are required and can be made at okczoo.org/safarilights. The Zoo is closed to guests during the day on November 27.

 

NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER: COCA-COLA PLUSH BEAR SAFARI LIGHTS GIVEAWAY AT THE OKC ZOO

Visiting OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS? Then here’s a gift for you! Every night in November and select nights in December, SAFARI LIGHTS guests who purchase a Coca Cola fountain drink at the OKC Zoo’s Canopy Restaurant inside the Zoo will receive a Coca-Cola plush polar bear. One plush per person while supplies last.

 

NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER: BREAKFAST WITH SANTA OKC ZOO EVENT SERIES

Join Old Saint Nick at the OKC Zoo for Breakfast with Santa. The events are held Saturday mornings, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on November 29, December 6, 13, and 20 and include a holiday breakfast buffet, an opportunity to meet Santa (and get their photo taken with him for an additional fee), and general admission to the Zoo. Tickets are $56 for adults ($36 for ZOOfriends members) and $46 for children ($30 for ZOOfriends members). Visit okczoo.org/breakfastwithsanta for more information.

 

NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER: OKC ZOO OFFERS SCHOOLS OUT DAY CAMPS

Metro-area schools close for the holidays, but there’s plenty left to learn at the OKC Zoo with Schools Out Day Camps! The Oklahoma City Zoo’s education team has day camps available for kids ages 5 to 10 in November, December, and January with themes including “How to Train Your Zoo,” “Critter Kitchen,” and “How Did They Build That?” The cost is $60 per camper ($54/camper for ZOOfriends members) per day. Camps run from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Zoo’s Rosser Conservation Education Center. Campers must bring their lunch and snacks. Space is limited and advance registration is required. Visit okczoo.org/schools-out to view the complete camp schedule and themes for November, December, and January.

 

MONDAY, DECEMBER 2 THROUGH SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2026: OKC ZOO IN ITS WINTER HOURS

The Oklahoma City Zoo’s winter hours begin Monday, December 1 and continue through Saturday, February 28. The Zoo will be open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. The Zoo will be closed during the day on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from Tuesday, December 2 through Wednesday, February 4, 2026 with no public access to the park. OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS will remain open nightly from 5:30 to 11 p.m. with the last entry no later than 10 p.m. through Sunday, January 4, 2026 including holidays.

 

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4: OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS SENSORY-FRIENDLY NIGHT

The OKC Zoo will host a Sensory-Friendly Night for SAFARI LIGHTS on Thursday, December 4, from 6 to 9 p.m. Attendees can anticipate a less-stimulating sensory environment with lower crowd sizes, limited flashing lights, and reduced sounds while experiencing the magic of SAFARI LIGHTS. Reserve tickets here.

 

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20-SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21: OKC ZOO HOSTS HOLIDAY HELPER OVERNIGHT

Help make holiday wishes come true for the OKC Zoo’s animal family during the Holiday Helper Overnight, Saturday, December 20. Tour OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS and make enrichment toys and experiences for the animals. Guests will embark on a night and early morning hike through the Zoo accompanied by knowledgeable guides to see wildlife in a new light. The cost is $65 per person. Overnights are suggested for ages five and older and run from 6:45 p.m. to 9 a.m. All children must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program. Register at okczoo.org/private-overnights.

 

CHRISTMAS DAY, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25: OKC ZOO IS CLOSED FOR THE DAY BUT OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS IS OPEN

The OKC Zoo’s wildly festive light event, OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS presented by OG&E, shines on and will be open the night of Christmas Day, Wednesday, December 25, from 5:30 to 11 p.m. with the last entry at 10 p.m. Reservations are required and can be made at okczoo.org/safarilights. The Zoo is closed to guests during the day on December 25.

 

SHOW WILD GENEROSITY WITH A ZOOFRIENDS GIFT MEMBERSHIP

Support and share the Oklahoma City Zoo’s mission with a ZOOfriends membership. Whether it’s for a lone animal lover or a whole herd, a ZOOfriends membership provides holders with access to the OKC Zoo for an entire year, plus discounts on Wild Encounters, VIP tours, special events, gift shop purchases, concessions, summer camps and more. It can even be used for discount admission to hundreds of Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited zoos and aquariums. ZOOfriends Passports start at $60 for one guest and range up to a Passport for ten for $299. To learn more about ZOOfriends or to purchase a passport, visit okczoo.org/membership.

 

WILD GIFT-GIVING IDEA: ART GONE WILD, ART MADE BY THE OKC ZOO’S ANIMALS FOR ANIMALS

Art Gone Wild, the Oklahoma City Zoo’s selection of animal paintings, are one-of-a-kind gifts for any occasion. With assistance from their caretakers, the Zoo’s talented animal artists have created an array of paintings available for purchase. Art Gone Wild is part of the Zoo’s enrichment program and the paints are safe for the animals to use as they are non-toxic and washable. New art pieces are created regularly and available to view in the Zoo’s Guest Services office located in the Entry Plaza, open during regular park hours. Original pieces range from $35 to $300, depending on size. All net proceeds benefit one of the Zoo’s conservation initiatives.

 

OKC ZOO’S WINTER ATTRACTION HOURS 2025-2026

Pre-purchase tickets for these wild extras as well as Zoo admission online at okczoo.org/tickets. By purchasing advance online admission tickets, you can bypass the Zoo’s ticket lines for faster entry into the park. This schedule is subject to change without notice. All rides and attractions are operational weather permitting.

  • Cassowary Feeding: Meet some of the biggest birds on the planet Saturdays and Sundays from 2:30 to 3 p.m. in Sanctuary Asia. Cost is $5 per person.
  • Giraffe Feeding: Giraffe feedings occur at the giraffe barn daily from 2 to 3 p.m. Cost is $5 per person.
  • Explorikeet Feedings: Fly by the Children’s Zoo to see and feed the lorikeets. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost is $4 per person.
  • Rhino Feedings: Our Indian rhinos are ready to meet you! Feedings occur from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at Sanctuary Asia. Cost is $10 per person.
  • The Barnyard at the Children’s Zoo presented by Primrose Schools: This fun encounter connects guests of all ages with our goats and sheep. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Elephant Presentation: These engaging presentations are a BIG hit and free to attend. Presentations occur Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.
  • Endangered Species Carousel: Round out your day with a spin on the Zoo’s one-of-a-kind carousel. Rides are available 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily in November and Friday through Sunday during Winter Closing Hours. Cost is $4 per person.
  • Gorilla Trek VR Experience and The Great Migration VR Experience: View gorillas in the wild with the OKC Zoo’s all-new Gorilla Trek Virtual Reality (VR) experience featuring a 360-degree live action film with motion platform seating or immerse yourself in The Great Migration experience with more than two million animals as they move between Tanzania’s Serengeti and the Maasai Mara reserves in Kenya. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost is $8 per person. Age and height requirements apply.  
  • OKC Zoo Tram: View the Zoo in comfort while learning about its animal and 100+ year history. Tram travels from the Entry Plaza to Sanctuary Asia and rides are offered daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost is $6 per person. Children two and under free.

 

OKC ZOO’S DAILY CARETAKER CHATS

Take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about the Oklahoma City Zoo’s animal family from the expert themselves, our caretakers. Hear from these dedicated and passionate individuals as they share about the amazing wildlife, they care for each and every day. These daily chats are free with regular Zoo admission and include:

  • African hoofstock (Baobab Plaza), daily at 10 a.m.
  • Asian elephants (Sanctuary Asia’s Boardwalk), Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m.
  • Vet talk (Joan Kirkpatrick Animal Hospital), daily at 11:30 a.m.
  • Dwarf mongoose (Love’s Pachyderm Building), Friday through Sunday, 11:30 a.m.
  • Lungfish (Love’s Pachyderm Building), Thursday through Tuesday 1:30 p.m.

 

Purchase advance Zoo admission tickets at okczoo.org/tickets and avoid the entry lines. Located at the crossroads of I-44 and I-35, the OKC Zoo is a proud member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the American Alliance of Museums, and Oklahoma City’s Adventure District. Zoo admission is $20 for adults and $17 for children ages 3-11 and seniors ages 65 and over. Children two and under are admitted free.

 

Stay connected with the Zoo on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, Linktree and TikTok, and by visiting our blog stories. Looking for a year of Zoo adventures? Consider a 12-month, ZOOfriends Membership Passport to the OKC Zoo providing general admission year-round and exclusive offers while supporting the Zoo’s ongoing animal care and conservation programs. Memberships can be purchased at okczoo.org/membership.