a wild wine night

Houston Zoo uncorks adults-only wine and light show with new varietals, live music, food, and more

Sip, stroll, and enjoy the lights at the adults-only event.

Houston Zoo/Facebook

These brisk winds and lower temps mean are a welcome sign for holiday-loving locals who're ready to celebrate fall fun. Now, Houston's beloved center is getting into the act with the return of a popular adult holiday light experience.

Houston Zoo will host its annualSip & Sparkleon Thursday, November 17 from 6 pm to 10 pm. New for this year, guests can sip wines from global regions including California, France, and Argentina.

As the name implies, Sip & Sparkle invites visitors — aged 21 and older only — to stroll through the zoo's dazzling and site-wide holiday lights while stopping to imbibe regional wines or their favorite Saint Arnold beer. Food and more drink choices will be available for sale along the Zoo Lights pass.

Along with wine and lights, the fun includes live music, games, and a 360-photo booth. Zoo attractions Natural Encounters and the Reptile and Amphibian House will stay open until 9:30 pm for those interested in more wild encounters.

Tickets for the event start at $49 for general admission, which includes five, two-ounce wine samples or two Saint Arnold Brewing Co. beers. Those who do not wish to partake can purchase an event-only pass for $39; this excludes wine and beer, but gives provides access to the holiday lights, live music, games, and more.

All tickets must be purchased online.

In keeping with major zoo programs and events, a portion of Sip & Sparkle ticket sales go towards the zoo’s conservation efforts around the world.

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Sip & Sparkle runs from 6 pm-10 pm at the Houston Zoo, 6200 Hermann Park Dr. For tickets and more information, visit the official event site.

This Week's Hot Headlines

New Memorial City development leads Houston's top 5 stories this week

Courtesy of Michael Hsu Office of Architecture

Greenside will feature a one-acre greenspace.

Editor's note:It's time to recap the top stories on CultureMap from this past week. The top Houston news includes a family-friendly Memorial City development, a Montrose pizzeria closure, and a stylish new lounge for Upper Kirby. Get the details below, and find fun stuff do in town this weekend here.

1. New development with 1-acre green space coming to Memorial City area. The rapidly growing area will soon be home to Greenside, boasting a mix of restaurant, retail, and other family-friendly businesses, designed by the Michael Hsu Office of Architecture.

2. Creative Montrose pizzeria will shutter after only a year-and-a-half. ElRo Pizza & Crudo will close at the end of the year, due to a steady decline in business.

3. Stylish new lounge shakes up Houston with art-inspired drinks and caviar. Cheers to this new nightlife spot, which is now open in Upper Kirby.

Sante cocktail lounge Sante's Garden Room is decorated with two olive trees. Photo by Chris Furia

4. These are the 6 most affordable ZIP codes for Houston renters. One of these ZIPs is also among the 10 most affordable in the U.S.

5. 15 Houston restaurants crafting nostalgic and decadent ice cream sundaes. The classic ice cream sundae is having a moment, and these restaurants are serving up decadent versions.