Holiday lights return to the OKC Zoo in a wild way! Discover elaborate light sculptures, animated displays, visits from Santa, memorable activities and more.
This winter, go wild and fill your holiday season with the magic of light! The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden announces OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS, the first holiday light event at the OKC Zoo since 1992. This seasonal celebration of wonder and illumination features larger-than-life light displays showcasing over 50 themed light sculptures highlighting wildlife, aquatic animals, prehistoric creatures and more – all viewable on a driving tour through the Zoo. The estimated drive time to complete the OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS tour is 20-30 minutes.
After driving through the Zoo, guests can park and re-enter the Zoo to continue on an immersive walking tour of the entry plaza with an original musical light performance designed by Miranda Family Lights of Edmond, Oklahoma, featured on The Great Christmas Light Fight broadcast on the ABC television network in 2019. Guests can continue through the Children’s Zoo to see interactive light displays, enjoy seasonal sweets and drinks available for purchase and shop for one-of-a-kind toys and gift ideas at the Zoo’s gift shops. Also included in the OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHT experience is the highly popular DINO SAFARI with animatronic life-size dinosaurs, which will be illuminated for the event. OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS debuts Saturday, November 6, and continues through Sunday, January 9, 2022.
“It’s thrilling to bring a light event back to the Zoo after almost three decades and we cannot wait to share OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS with new generations of fans,” said Dwight Lawson, OKC Zoo’s executive director/CEO. “This event offers an exciting way to experience the unique setting of the park with stunning lights, music and lots of surprises while creating holiday memories and traditions.”
Make plans to get photos with Santa every Thursday through Sunday from November 6 through December 25, in the Zoo’s Canopy Restaurant.
Online reservations are required for OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS. Drive-up purchases will not be accepted. Tickets are limited to ensure optimal guest experience. Admission for the drive-thru experience is $50/vehicle for ZOOfriends members or $60/vehicle (non-members) this fee also includes up to 4 walk-thru admission tickets. For oversized vehicles seating 9-15 people, under 10’ tall and 25’ long, admission is $80/vehicle for ZOOfriends members or $90/vehicle (non-members) this fee also includes up to 6 walk-thru admission tickets. Admission for the walk-thru only is $10/guest ages 3+ for ZOOfriends members or $12/guest ages 3+ (non-members). This holiday event is open starting Saturday, November 6 and Sunday, November 7, from 6:30 to 11 p.m. each night. Beginning Monday, November 8 and continuing through Sunday, January 9, OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS is open from 5:30 to 11 p.m. nightly.
Tickets for OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS are on sale now for ZOOfriends members and are available for the general public beginning Friday, October 22. Prepare for the holiday season and purchase event tickets at okczoo.org.
For additional FAQs and tips for experiencing OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS, click here!
Light up your holiday season with OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS! The Oklahoma City Zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except on Christmas and Thanksgiving, with the last entry no later than 4 p.m. However, OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS will be open in the evenings for both Thanksgiving and Christmas nights. Purchase advance 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, Oklahoma City’s Adventure District and an Adventure Road partner. Regular admission is $12 for adults and $9 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, Twitter, Instagram, Linktree and TikTok, and by visiting our blog stories. Zoo fans can support the OKC Zoo by becoming a ZOOfriends member. Starting at $45, memberships can be purchased at ZOOfriends.org and provide access to the OKC Zoo for an entire year plus, additional benefits and discounts. To learn more about Zoo happenings, call (405) 424-3344 or visit okczoo.org.