Participate in nationwide voting to help OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS earn the title of America’s BEST ZOO LIGHTS!

 

The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden’s SAFARI LIGHTS experience, presented by OG&E, has once again earned the privilege to be in the running for USA Today’s 10Best Reader’s Choice Travel Award category of BEST ZOO LIGHTS, and we need your help to be America's favorite! OKC Zoo enthusiasts, locally and globally, are strongly encouraged to cast a vote to show their love for SAFARI LIGHTS. Voting is now open and ends on Monday, December 2. Every vote contributes to help the OKC Zoo work its way to the top and shine brighter than the competition! Cast your vote now and support OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS at https://bit.ly/VoteOKCZOOBestZooLights.

“We are incredibly proud to be in the running for this award and hope to earn the distinction of Best Zoo Lights,” said Dwight Lawson, executive director/CEO of the OKC Zoo. “The dedicated teams at the Zoo and Tianyu Culture have put in tremendous effort to develop a unique holiday light experience that celebrates both the season and wildlife.”

“SAFARI LIGHTS is an unmissable attraction and showcases the Oklahoma City Zoo’s ability to create lasting memories for families in our community,” said Kelli Hayward Walsh, OG&E manager of community outreach and engagement. “OG&E is proud to partner with the OKC Zoo to offer a safe and festive holiday tradition for everyone to enjoy.”

Participants can vote once a day for the run of the contest. Readers’ Choice Travel Award voting ends Monday, December 2, 2024 and the winners will be announced on 10Best.com on Wednesday, December 4. 

OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS is produced by the Oklahoma City Zoo and Tianyu Culture. Supporting OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS sponsors include Devon, Homeland, and MidFirst Bank.

The holiday season means all things festive, fun, and bright! OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS gives that and more, incorporating all new, larger-than-life lanterns that display seasonal scenes and wildlife! Guests can experience the lights along a drive-thru course and separate walking tour and it all starts Saturday, November 9. 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 at the Zoo’s Safari Café and Canopy Restaurant. This festive celebration runs nightly through New Year’s Day, Wednesday, January 1, 2025, including Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve from 5:30 to 11 p.m. Advance online reservations are required and can be made at okczoo.org/safari-lights. Tickets start at $60/vehicle ($50 for ZOOfriends) and include up to 4 Walk-Thru Course admission tickets. Walk-Thru Course admission tickets start at $14/guest ($12 for ZOOfriends) ages 3 and older.  

Help OKC Zoo earn top spot of America’s Best Zoo Lights and vote daily now through December 2 at https://bit.ly/VoteOKCZOOBestZooLights.

The Oklahoma City Zoo’s daytime hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily with the last entry at 4 p.m. The Zoo will be closed to the public during the daytime on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day as well as Tuesdays and Wednesdays from December 3 through February 5, 2025. 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, Oklahoma City’s Adventure District and an Adventure Road partner. Regular daytime admission is $16 for adults and $13 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 also make great gifts for the holidays and other celebrations and can be purchased at okczoo.org/membership.