OKC Zoo Safari Lights returns for a sixth year on Saturday, November 14, and runs nightly through Sunday, January 3, 2027. The thing that separates it from most zoo light trails is that you can do it from your car or on foot, and this year the zoo has built four different ways to buy it.
Reservations are required in advance and the zoo says capacity is limited, which on a 51-night run means the popular December dates go first.
The four ways in
A drive-thru combo ticket covers one vehicle through the lantern displays plus up to four walk-through admissions, so a family can do both halves on one purchase. It starts at $45 for ZOOfriends members.
Walk-through admission on its own starts at $10 per person for members, which is the cheapest route in and gets you the interactive displays and the seasonal food and drink menu.
Safari Sleigh Ride tours are a guided drive-through on a decorated golf cart for up to seven people, with hot cocoa and blankets and a VIP walk-through included.
Private igloo rentals start at $250 and come in three themes. A rental includes one drive-thru combo ticket with up to four walk-through admissions; additional guests are $40 each to a maximum party of eight. The igloo is somewhere to eat, or to get out of an Oklahoma December for twenty minutes.
New this year is the Holiday Hideaway, a 21-and-over retreat with cocktails and food that is included with walk-through admission. It opens Friday through Sunday nights plus Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
Santa, and who else is showing up
Santa is at the zoo Thursdays through Sundays from November 14 to December 24, 6 to 10 p.m., in the Canopy Restaurant, courtesy of Homeland. Photos and visits are free and there is no purchase necessary, which is worth knowing before anyone queues somewhere else for the same thing.
The zoo has also brought in local performers for four dated evenings near the main entrance, 6 to 8 p.m., free with walk-through admission: OKC Ballet’s Studio Company on Saturday, November 15 and Tuesday, December 1; Oklahoma Ballet Theatre in Edmond on Saturday, November 21; and Lyric Academy students carol singing on Saturday, December 19.
Why the zoo keeps doing this
“We’re incredibly proud that Oklahomans are making SAFARI LIGHTS an annual happening for their family and friends, and want to ensure each experience is different,” said OKC Zoo Director of Events and Sales Jenna Dodson. “Each year, our teams go above and beyond to provide a quality event with exciting elements and extras that inspire lasting holiday memories and connections to the Zoo for guests of all ages.”
Running a nightly event for seven weeks takes people, and the zoo is openly recruiting for it. Volunteers must be 14 or older, and under-16s need an adult with them; the return is a free general admission voucher plus 40 percent off event treats and merchandise in the park.
Gates are 5:30 to 11 p.m. nightly with last check-in at 9:30, and the event runs on the holidays themselves: Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Safari Lights is presented by OG&E.
The OKC Zoo has had a varied autumn, including a student art exhibition at its ZooZeum with a section built to be experienced by smell.
Quick answers
- When is OKC Zoo Safari Lights 2026?
Saturday, November 14, 2026 through Sunday, January 3, 2027, nightly from 5:30 to 11 p.m. with last check-in at 9:30 p.m. It runs on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. It is the event's sixth year.
- How much are Safari Lights tickets?
Walk-through admission starts at $10 per person for ZOOfriends members. A drive-thru combo ticket, which covers one vehicle plus up to four walk-through admissions, starts at $45 for members. Private igloo rentals start at $250.
- Do I need to book in advance?
Yes. Advance online reservations are required and the zoo says they are limited, with pricing that varies by ticket option and visit date.
- Is Santa at OKC Zoo Safari Lights?
Yes, Thursdays through Sundays from November 14 to December 24, 6 to 10 p.m., in the zoo's Canopy Restaurant. Photos and visits are free and no purchase is necessary.
- What is the Holiday Hideaway?
A new 21-and-over retreat with festive cocktails and food, included with walk-through admission. It is open Friday through Sunday nights plus Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.
- Can I volunteer at Safari Lights?
Yes. Volunteers must be 14 or older, and those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Volunteers receive a free general admission voucher to the zoo and 40 percent off event treats and merchandise in the park.
