I recapped the Houston Zoo Lights from years past a couple of weeks ago. They rescheduled the 2020 donor event due to weather, and last night was the rescheduled date. I was a bit worried that it would get rained out again, but the rain cleared out later in the afternoon.
In order to maintain the flow of traffic through the zoo, you had to sign up for certain time slots. Aaron and I chose the 7:30 time slot. Now, parking is always a pain during Zoo Lights. But, I think the colder weather might have scared alot of people off, and maybe the fact that it was a Tuesday evening. We snagged a spot right away and headed in.
In my opinion, this was one of the best years they’ve done. Maybe it’s because it seemed like a return to a sense of normalcy, but the lights made me so happy. I feel like they really outdid themselves.
Houston Zoo Lights 2020 Recap
It was cold out, so I dressed appropriately.
The event was open bar all evening with beer and wine, regular and spiked hot chocolate. You could order dinner from the café if you wanted, but Aaron and I ate dinner before we left the house. The hot cocoa came in the cutest reusable cups. Here’s mine:
When you walk in you are immediately greeted by their main promenade where all of the trees are decorated from trunk to stem. The lights flicker on and off to Christmas music!
Then, you walk around to the JOY sign. It’s one of my favorites every year.
Then, you come across the Ice Throne. Aaron stopped for a quick photo op.
Somewhere in there, we stopped and made s’mores. They had individually wrapped packets with chocolate squares, graham crackers and a marshmallow. Fire pits were spread throughout the grounds so you could roast your marshmallow. That’s one of my favorite Houston Zoo Lights traditions, and I’m glad they were able to make it happen this year.
They had a light tunnel that you walk through just surrounded by the lights!
Right before you head into the light tunnel you walk by zoo animals that are all lit up. I think this was a new addition this year, but it was so cute.
I was worried that my favorite feature of last year would not be part of the Houston Zoo Lights. No fear, the bubbles are here again! I was so excited to see them back because they really were a ton of fun for adults – and for the kids.
They also had a train exhibit, but the trains weren’t running last night. All in all, I think that Houston Zoo Lights is fun (and safe) for a date night – or to bring the entire family. I’ll talk a little more about COVID-19 precautions below.
Houston Zoo Light COVID-19 Precautions
COVID-19 precautions were in place everywhere. There were social distancing signs, hand sanitizing stations everywhere and mask-wearing was enforced the entire time. I also feel like the various exhibits were spaced out a bit more this year. They had policemen enforcing the mask-wearing policy throughout the zoo. All in all, it felt very safe. I might not go on some of the days that I know might be more popular (like the week of Christmas), but the Houston Zoo Lights is open through Jan. 10, 2021. You can purchase your tickets here.
Happy Thursday, friends. I’ll see you back here for FRIDAY!!! (or as my yoga teacher likes to call it: Fri-YAY).
