OKC Zoo Safari Lights 2025: Holiday Magic Awaits

OKC Zoo Safari Lights is back for the 2025 holiday season and it’s brighter and more magical than ever. Now through January 4, the Oklahoma City Zoo lights up nightly from 5:30 pm to 11 pm, with a cozy drive-through lantern tour and a walk-through course of interactive displays.

Drive-Through Magic

The drive-through portion covers nearly a mile of animal and holiday-themed lanterns. After you finish driving, you can park and re-enter on foot, where you’ll discover more illuminated sculptures, photo spots, and seasonal treats.

Ticket pricing varies based on night and demand: drive-through admission is $60–$78 per vehicle, and that includes up to four walk-through wristbands. For just the walk-through experience, tickets run $14–$18 per person (for ages 3+). If you’re a ZOOfriends member, you get a $10 discount on drive-through and $2 off extra walk-through admissions.

@thumbsupokc ZOO LIGHTS ARE BACK at the @okczoo! The lighting ceremony last night was a fun one and even Santa made an appearance. #OKC #OklahomaCity #ThingsToDoInOKC #ChristmasInOKC #NewInOKC ♬ Drummer Boy - Justin Bieber

This year, there are some next-level add-ons: rent a private igloo nestled under the lights (up to 8 people) starting around $250, or book a VIP Safari Sleigh Ride, which gives you a guided drive in a festively decorated cart plus walk-through access. On December 4, there’s a sensory-friendly night with limited flashing lights, quieter music, and smaller crowds.

Walk-Through Fun

There’s also a special Mistletoe Mingle on November 20 for adults 21+... think cocktails, spiked cocoa, karaoke, and holiday vibes. And if you want to host a holiday party, the Zoo offers private event spaces like a “Treehouse” or “Canopy East Room” with walk-through admission bundled in.

To make this one of the holiday highlights in OKC, reserve early because tickets are limited, and the light show is one of the city’s most-loved seasonal traditions.

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