Help OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS earn the bright honor of being the Best Zoo Lights in USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards! Voting open through November 30.
The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is calling on its fans to vote OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS, presented by OG&E, the Best Zoo Lights in America! Now through Monday, November 30, 2026, supporters can vote daily for OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS at https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/oklahoma-city-zoo-safari-lights-presented-by-og-e-oklahoma-city-oklahoma/.
OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS is the running for the seasonal distinction of Best Zoo Lights as part of USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards, and competing against 19 other zoos for bragging rights. The top 10 winners, as ranked by USA TODAY 10BEST readers, will be announced on Thursday, December 3, 2026.
“It’s always an honor to be nominated for this award and hopefully our fans will help move SAFARI LIGHTS into a top-ranking spot this year,” said OKC Zoo’s Executive Director and CEO, Dr. Dwight Lawson. “We’re grateful to all our guests, sponsors, and volunteers for supporting SAFARI LIGHTS and helping the Zoo create an annual celebration that brings Oklahomans together for holiday fun and memories.”
The highlight of the holidays, OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS, is a spectacular display of holiday and wildlife themed illuminated sculptures that guests can encounter on both drive-thru and walk-thru tours within the Zoo, and exclusive nighttime access to the park. New this year, the Zoo is offering expanded ticket and VIP options ideal for families and friend groups including a drive-thru combo ticket, walk-thru admission, safari sleigh ride tours, and private igloo rentals! SAFARI LIGHTS shines bright from Saturday, November 14, 2026 through Sunday, January 3, 2027, including holiday nights Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and Day. Event hours are 5:30 to 11 p.m. nightly with the last check-in at 9:30 p.m.
Santa will be making appearances at SAFARI LIGHTS courtesy of Homeland and available for photos and to greet kiddos in the Zoo’s Canopy Restaurant, Thursdays to Sundays, November 14 through December 24, from 6 to 10 p.m. nightly. There’s no purchase necessary to meet Santa!
Advance online reservations are required for OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS and are limited, so fans are encouraged to purchase early. Event pricing is based on ticket options and visit date, guests choose what works best with their schedule and budget. For reservations, visit www.okczoo.org/safarilights.
OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS is presented by OG&E with supporting sponsors Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, Devon, Homeland, and MidFirst Bank. Additional sponsor levels include Interactive: Continental Resources, Enbrighten, and JE Dunn Construction; Highlight: Global Payments, Inasmuch Foundation, Lawrence H. and Ronna C. Davis, The Chickasaw Nation, TTCU Federal Credit Union; and Lightbulb: Anonymous, E.L. and Thelma Gaylord Foundation, Express Employment International, Independent Insurance Agents Association OKC, Joseph & Tiffany Midgett, Kyle & Sara Sweet, RS Fuel, Sally Saunders, The Furry Guys, Tim Beck & Tyla Beach, and Tinker Federal Credit Union.
Vote now and vote daily for OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS for Best Zoo Lights! Located at the crossroads of I-44 and I-35, the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is a proud member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the American Alliance of Museums and Oklahoma City’s Adventure District.
Zoo admission can be purchased at the park or online at www.okczoo.org/tickets. Stay connected with the Zoo on Facebook, Instagram, Linktree, TikTok, LinkedIn, and by visiting our blog stories. Zoo more with a ZOOfriends membership! Members enjoy free admission to the Zoo for 12 months, plus exclusive benefits and discounts while supporting the Zoo’s animal care and conservation efforts locally and globally. Join ZOOfriends today at www.okczoo.org/membership.