• Restaurants + Bars
  • Entertainment
  • Arts
  • Society
  • City Life
  • Fashion + Beauty
  • Real Estate
  • Home + Design
  • Innovation
  • Travel
  • Sports
  • THE TOP 100
  • City Guide
  • Events
  • Charity Guide
  • Subscribe
  • Cities
  • Austin
  • Dallas
  • Houston
  • San Antonio
  • Fort Worth
Cities
  • Austin
  • Dallas
  • Houston
  • San Antonio
  • Fort Worth
culturemap logo
  • Restaurants + Bars

    THE LATEST

    Eric Sandler: Power couple behind Nobie's revive seafood-focused Montrose speakeasy after 2 years
    Quiote rides again
    Power couple behind Nobie's revive seafood-focused Montrose speakeasy
    By Eric Sandler
    Eric Sandler: Comfort food restaurant FM Kitchen quietly closes Montrose location
    FM switches off
    Comfort food restaurant FM Kitchen quietly closes Montrose location
    By Eric Sandler
    Eric Sandler: Texas hot chicken restaurant brings the heat to Katy and Spring
    Hola, my friend
    Texas hot chicken restaurant brings the heat to Katy and Spring
    By Eric Sandler

    SPONSORED BY

  • Entertainment

    THE LATEST

    Steven Devadanam: Houston reality TV stars the Hos return for Season 2 and ink exclusive real estate deal
    h-town ho-down
    Houston's Ho Family back for Season 2, inks exclusive real estate deal
    By Steven Devadanam
    Alex Bentley: Aubrey Plaza scams and schemes in solid Emily the Criminal
    Movie Review
    Aubrey Plaza scams and schemes in solid Emily the Criminal
    By Alex Bentley
    Alex Bentley: Bodies Bodies Bodies hit the floor in hilarious horror comedy
    Movie Review
    Bodies Bodies Bodies hit the floor in hilarious horror comedy
    By Alex Bentley

    SPONSORED BY

  • Arts

    THE LATEST

    Tarra Gaines: First-ever Houston Theater Week stages BOGO deals for 77 of the season's hottest shows
    prices down, curtain up
    First-ever Houston Theater Week stages BOGO deals 77 hottest shows
    By Tarra Gaines
    Tarra Gaines: 9 vivid and eye-catching August art events no Houstonian should miss
    best august art
    9 vivid and eye-catching August art events no Houstonian should miss
    By Tarra Gaines
    Tarra Gaines: Houston's best fall theater showcases Broadway sensations, cutting-edge works, and world premiers
    best fall theater
    Houston's best fall theater showcases world-class productions and more
    By Tarra Gaines

    SPONSORED BY

  • Society

    THE LATEST

    Steven Devadanam: Longtime leader of Houston's beloved holiday extravaganza closes up shop after 34-year run
    a fond farewell
    Longtime leader of Houston's beloved holiday experience stepping down
    By Steven Devadanam
    Steven Devadanam: Inspiring celebrity sports power couple hosts can't-miss gala with surprise Houston Astros guests
    a home-run cause
    Sports power couple hosts gala with surprise Astros star guests
    By Steven Devadanam
    Steven Devadanam: Houston's society queen hits the dance floor in red-hot Montrose nightclub's VIP bash
    sobe's back
    Houston's society queen dances away at Montrose club's VIP party
    By Steven Devadanam

    SPONSORED BY

  • City Guide

    THE LATEST

    : Stages
    Entertainment
    Stages
    : PH Design Shop
    Shops
    PH Design Shop
    : Westin Oaks Houston
    Hotels
    Westin Oaks Houston

    SPONSORED BY

  • Events

    THE LATEST

    : Color Factory
    8.16.22 | 9:00 am
    Color Factory
    : Memorial Hermann Broadway at the Hobby Center: Mean Girls
    8.16.22 | 7:30 pm
    Memorial Hermann Broadway at the Hobby Center: Mean Girls
    : Rooftop Cinema Club Uptown
    8.16.22 | 7:30 pm
    Rooftop Cinema Club Uptown

    SPONSORED BY

  • SportsMap
  • Subscribe
  • City Life

    THE LATEST

    Ken Hoffman: Ken Hoffman on why a Houston Astros pivotal star's most heroic work is off the field
    the hero we need
    Ken Hoffman on why an Astros star's most heroic work is off the field
    By Ken Hoffman
    : New Texas rating system reveals which Houston-area schools make the grade
    making the grade?
    New rating system reveals which Houston-area schools make the grade
    By Jeff Ehling, ABC13
    Eric Sandler: Justin Verlander's national TV shout out for favorite Houston burger leads week's top stories
    This Week's Hot Headlines
    Verlander name drops EaDo eatery on national TV + more hot headlines
    By Eric Sandler

    SPONSORED BY

  • Fashion + Beauty

    THE LATEST

    : 5 Houston hot-pink essentials to rock this summer's viral Barbiecore trend
    I'm a Barbie girl, in the Barbie world
    5 Houston hot-pink essentials to rock summer's viral Barbiecore trend
    By Gabi De la Rosa
    : Luxe Uptown boutique fittingly wins best lingerie shop in America title
    a fitting win
    Luxe Uptown boutique fittingly named best lingerie shop in America
    By Gabi De la Rosa
    : Face the scorching Houston summer sun with these tips from local skin care experts
    here comes the sun
    Face the Houston summer sun with tips from local skin care experts
    By Gabi De la Rosa

    SPONSORED BY

  • Real Estate

    THE LATEST

    Hannah J. Frías: Stars at night are big and bright at this stunning $18.5 million Texas ranch
    down by the river
    Stars at night are big and bright at this stunning $18.5M Texas ranch
    By Hannah J. Frías
    John Egan: Retro Hill Country drive-in movie theater premieres on the market at $4 million
    Screen dream
    Retro Hill Country drive-in theater premieres on the market at $4M
    By John Egan
    Holly Beretto: Contemporary 'treehouse' masterpiece in Piney Point blooms on market for $2.8 million
    into the woods
    Contemporary 'treehouse' masterpiece in Piney Point lists for $2.8M
    By Holly Beretto

    SPONSORED BY

  • Home + Design

    THE LATEST

    John Egan: Texas builder unveils sleek prefabricated luxury homes starting at $600,000
    prefab fab
    Texas builder unveils sleek prefab luxury homes starting at $600,000
    By John Egan
    Katie Friel: H-E-B carts out new home decor and furniture for Texas shoppers
    Milk, Bread, Eggs, Accent Chair
    H-E-B carts out new home decor and furniture for Texas shoppers
    By Katie Friel
    Steven Devadanam: In-demand Houston interior designer opens door to elegant new showroom in Rice Village
    livable luxury
    Haute Houston interior designer opens elegant new Rice Village shop
    By Steven Devadanam

    SPONSORED BY

  • Innovation

    THE LATEST

    : 2 Nobel Peace Prize-nominated Houston doctors land on prestigious list of most creative in business
    distinguished dynamic duo
    2 Nobel-nominated Houston doctors land on elite 'most-creative' list
    By Shaina Zucker Pherigo, InnovatioMap
    Natalie Harms: Amazon tries on same-day mall delivery in Houston for in-demand items
    PRIME SHOPPING
    Amazon tries on same-day mall delivery in Houston for in-demand items
    By Natalie Harms
    Steven Devadanam: Houston's elite hospitals score No. 1 spots in prestigious new list of best in U.S. and Texas
    med center might
    Houston hospitals score No. 1 spots in list of best in U.S. and Texas
    By Steven Devadanam

    SPONSORED BY

  • Travel

    THE LATEST

    Teresa Gubbins: State Fair of Texas unleashes 10 creative fried foods for 2022 Big Tex Awards
    all's fair
    State Fair of Texas unleashes 10 creative fried foods for 2022 Big Tex
    By Teresa Gubbins
    Stephanie Allmon Merry: 7 spectacular surprises inside Chip and Joanna Gaines' new Fixer Upper castle in North Texas
    Royal revelation
    7 surprises in Chip & Joanna Gaines' North Texas Fixer Upper castle
    By Stephanie Allmon Merry
    Brianna Caleri: New Hill Country festival jams out with 15 Texas wineries and 3 bands
    The Juice
    New Hill Country festival jams out with 15 Texas wineries and 3 bands
    By Brianna Caleri

    SPONSORED BY

  • Sports

    THE LATEST

    Steven Devadanam: Houston Astros honor Uvalde visitors with special Game Day experience and big win
    uvalde strong
    Houston Astros honor Uvalde visitors with Game Day experience, big win
    By Steven Devadanam
    Ken Hoffman: Ken Hoffman reveals the ultimate insider guide to the Little League World Series — and how he fired The Boss
    big little league
    Ken Hoffman's ultimate insider guide to the Little League World Series
    By Ken Hoffman
    Steven Devadanam: Houston Astros hometown hero's big return headlines can't-miss Hall of Fame Weekend
    he's baaaaack
    Houston Astros hometown hero's return headlines Hall of Fame Weekend
    By Steven Devadanam

    SPONSORED BY

  • Charity Guide
  • Tastemaker Awards
Houston Zoo Houston Zoo
Promoted series are produced by CultureMap sponsors and not by the editorial staff.
Home » City Life
honoring president george h.w. bush
Poignant moments from inside President Bush's Houston visitation
honoring president george h.w. bush
Ken Hoffman: Houston celebrities, citizens reflect on President Bush
LATEST NEWS
Texas hot chicken restaurant brings the heat to Katy and Spring
See Them, Save Them

Houston Zoo's eco-conscious actions help the holidays shine bright

Houston Zoo's eco-conscious actions help the holidays shine bright

By CultureMap Create
Dec 17, 2018, 12:30 pm
Enlarge
Slideshow
Houston Zoo Lights
TXU Energy Presents Zoo Lights is back for its seventh year. Photo courtesy of Houston Zoo
Houston Zoo Lights
The zoo is tranformed into a sparkly winter wonderland. Photo courtesy of Houston Zoo
Houston Zoo Lights
There are plenty of great photo opportunities. Photo courtesy of Houston Zoo
Houston Zoo Lights
The zoo will recycle your old or broken string lights. Photo courtesy of Houston Zoo
Houston Zoo Lights
Be sure to spend some time in the Light Tunnel. Photo courtesy of Houston Zoo
Houston Zoo Lights
Houston Zoo Lights
Houston Zoo Lights
Houston Zoo Lights
Houston Zoo Lights

Few things make this time of year more festive than seeing twinkling lights everywhere, which is why the Houston Zoo turns itself into a sparkly winter wonderland through January 13.

TXU Energy Presents Zoo Lights is back for its seventh year, promising larger-than-life decorations, interactive displays, and plenty of photo ops. Also sponsored by H-E-B, Coca-Cola, and KPRC Channel 2, the magical setting is friendly for the whole family, opening at 5 pm and extending until 10 or 11 pm, depending on the night (check online for specific dates, and note that it's closed on December 19, 24, and 25).

The animals will be tucked away for a winter's nap, but you can stroll by eco-friendly LED lights illuminating the pathways and ancient oak trees throughout the zoo. You will spot the animals at the Watering Hole, presented by Texas Capital Bank, out lighting up the night. Also stop to say hi to Candy, the interactive talking zebra presented by H-E-B.

Stroll through the Enchanted Forest, presented by King & Spalding LLP, while sipping hot chocolate and marvel at the flowers and plants that have been created by pure imagination. Glimpse multiple trains winding through a miniature winter village at the Holiday Train Village, presented by Macy's.

Ready to snap some pics? Pose by the giant Happy Holidays from Texas, Y'all postcards presented by Texas Direct Auto, take your time in the Light Tunnel presented by KSBJ, and then seek out the 33-foot-tall holiday tree presented by TransCanada. It's adorned with colorful, custom-made decorations and 22,000 lights.

Speaking of lights: There's an easy way to save animals in the wild when you visit the zoo. Bring in your old or broken string lights and the Houston Zoo will help keep them out of landfills — which means more space for animals to roam — by recycling them. Please do not bring other items such as floodlights, extension cords, or light hooks.

So far, the Houston Zoo has recycled 12,826 pounds of holiday lights — nearly the same weight as a male Asian elephant!

You can bring your holiday string lights to the main entrance of the Houston Zoo, at 6200 Hermann Park Dr., until January 13. Simply place them in the bin that says, "Recycle your holiday lights here and help save animals in the wild."

Enjoy more of your time at TXU Energy Presents Zoo Lights by purchasing tickets online in advance (you can save money by choosing a Value Night). You'll also find tips on the website for the best places to park and information about the free shuttle, which will make your arrival and exit so easy.

Read These Next
Lance McCullers, Jr. Foundation dogs
Ken Hoffman on why an Astros star's most heroic work is off the field
Festival Acadiens
Let the good times roll this fall in Lafayette, Louisiana
midland rockhounds baseball
From baseball games to outer space, here are Midland's must-dos
Lance McCullers, Jr. Foundation dogs
Ken Hoffman on why an Astros star's most heroic work is off the field
Festival Acadiens
Let the good times roll this fall in Lafayette, Louisiana
midland rockhounds baseball
From baseball games to outer space, here are Midland's must-dos
Related City Guide Listings
  • Houston Zoo
  • Latest News
  • Most Popular
  • Hilarious Houston lawyers summon audiences to fun musical comedy romp
  • Houston's Ho Family back for Season 2, inks exclusive real estate deal
  • Power couple behind Nobie's revive seafood-focused Montrose speakeasy
  • Ken Hoffman on why an Astros star's most heroic work is off the field
  • Let the good times roll this fall in Lafayette, Louisiana
    - promoted -
See All Latest News >
  • Justin Verlander shouts out his favorite Houston burger on national TV
  • Verlander name drops EaDo eatery on national TV + more hot headlines
  • Houston's Ho Family back for Season 2, inks exclusive real estate deal
  • Regal River Oaks-area high-rise evacuated amid structural concerns
  • Comfort food restaurant FM Kitchen quietly closes Montrose location
Vote Now
Whats Eric Eating
8/12
Meet Eculent's mad scientist chef, plus more hot Houston food news
7/28
Riel talk about Montrose's award-winning restaurant, more food news
7/21
The dish on new Thai tapas, plus best Houston Restaurant Weeks hacks
Hoffman's Houston
8/15
Ken Hoffman on why an Astros star's most heroic work is off the field
8/9
Hoffman on the Houston stars dominating the Radio Hall of Fame awards
8/1
Hoffman's stone-cold prediction on the demise of a U.S. ice cream fave
Where to Eat Houston
6/23
Where to eat in Houston right now: 9 stupendous new restaurants
4/20
Where to eat in Houston: 9 new restaurants for steak, ramen, and more
3/21
Where to eat in Houston: 10 new restaurants from Wild fare to steaks
Home | About Us | News Tips & Suggestions | Submit An Event | Submit A Charity | Advertise | Media Sponsorship | Jobs | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy
© 2022 CultureMap LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Be A CultureMap Insider
Get Our Emails
Sign Up

We will not share or sell your email address

Newsletters for exploring your city

Thank you for signing up Please verify your e-mail by following the link we just sent you.
Look for an e-mail from CultureMap <info@culturemap.com>
Tootsies invites you to shop for a worthy cause