Your vote can help OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS earn the title of America’s Best Zoo Lights!
Now through Monday, December 1, fans can vote to make OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS, presented by OG&E, the Best Zoo Lights in America!
The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden’s OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS is competing with other zoos and aquariums 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!
“We’re asking OKC Zoo fans around the world to show their support and vote for SAFARI LIGHTS,” said Dwight Lawson, executive director and CEO of the OKC Zoo. “Our team members and volunteers, as well as the creative team with Tianyu Culture, work tirelessly each year to make SAFARI LIGHTS the absolute best for our guests.”
Anyone can visit https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/oklahoma-city-zoo-safari-lights-presented-by-og-e-oklahoma-city-oklahoma/ every day to vote for OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS through Monday, December 1. Winners will be announced on 10Best.com on Wednesday, December 10.
OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS runs nightly through Sunday, January 4, 2026, from 5:30 to 11 p.m. with the last check in at 10 p.m. Guests can drive through a wonderland of wildlife- and holiday-themed lanterns before parking in front of the Zoo and entering for an immersive walking experience with interactive light displays, lots of Instagrammable location, seasonal treats, and photo opportunities with Santa.
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 OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS.
Each year’s lights and lanterns are all new, presenting a fun and fascinating experience for visitors new and old. Also new at this year’s OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS are igloo rentals and Safari Sleigh rides. Online reservations are required for OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS and can be made at 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, you pick the date that works best with your schedule and budget. 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.
Help OKC Zoo earn top spot of America’s Best Zoo Lights and vote daily now through December 1 at https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/oklahoma-city-zoo-safari-lights-presented-by-og-e-oklahoma-city-oklahoma/.
Established in 1902, the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden inspires more than a million visitors annually to take action to conserve wildlife and wild places. From education programs to scientific research, the OKC Zoo is working to save species regionally and worldwide. The OKC Zoo is located at the crossroads of I-44 and I-35 and a proud member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the American Alliance of Museums, and Oklahoma City’s Adventure District.
During the OKC Zoo’s Winter Hours, Monday, December 1 through Wednesday, February 4, 2026, park hours will be open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday/Sunday with last entry at 4 p.m. The park will be closed to guests during the day on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Purchase Zoo admission in advance at okczoo.org/tickets to avoid the entry lines. For more Zoo information, connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Linktree, TikTok, and by visiting our blog stories.