Finally, this Saturday is the day. On November 14, the San Antonio Zoo Lights will open for the season.

As soon as I saw this news, I opened my calendar. It's rare to find such a cost-effective place to enjoy holiday lights. Every year around this time, I struggle with where to go, but this one is almost a no-brainer.

However, when I ask around, many people seem to think that this is a nighttime event that requires a separate ticket. Today, I'll clarify that part.

The key point is this: based on recent seasons, Zoo Lights has been included with the general zoo admission ticket, not a separate ticket.

This is a common message shared by local news and various informational sites, and annual members can enter without any additional cost.

This means that with the ticket you buy to see the animals during the day, you can also enjoy the lights after sunset. This is the starting point of the tip I want to share. You're essentially getting two experiences for the price of one.

My recommended route is simple. Enter in the late afternoon to see the animals while it's still light, and then naturally transition to the light displays as it gets dark.

In mid-November, the sun sets quite early in San Antonio, so entering around three or four in the afternoon is perfect for enjoying both activities at once. The moment when the sky turns red at sunset and the lights start to turn on is the most beautiful.

If you only stop by for a short time in the evening, the admission fee might feel a bit wasted. It's much more beneficial to use the same ticket for both day and night.

The operating hours can be inferred from last year's season. In 2025, it operated from noon to 8 PM Sunday through Thursday, and until 9 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, as well as from December 21 to 24.

However, the official schedule for this year had not been announced by the time I checked. Be sure to check the zoo's website at sazoo.org before you go.

The prices are similar. Last year, they started at $26.87 online, and the prices varied depending on the date and demand.

In this dynamic pricing structure, choosing your date is a way to save money. Even for the same lights, weekends or just before Christmas are likely to be more expensive.

So, I would aim for a weekday evening in November. There will be fewer crowds, and you won't have to struggle to avoid the heads of people in front of you while taking photos. Shorter wait times also mean less frustration for the kids.

The prices for this year, 2026, have not yet been disclosed, so I can't provide exact numbers. I recommend comparing a few dates on the booking screen.

The end date of the season varies slightly by source. Some places list it as December 31, while others mention January 3, so it's important to check the official schedule.

Last year, it started on November 15 and ended on January 4, so I suspect this year will follow a similar pattern, but I can't say for sure.

There were also new attractions introduced last season worth remembering. The Cathedral Tunnel, where lights arch along the snake path near the entrance, was a standout.

The Enchanted Tree and Lights on the Lawn were also introduced then. We'll have to see if they remain this year.

By the way, the zoo's address is 3903 N St. Mary's St. Since it's located inside Brackenridge Park, it's helpful to set your GPS ahead of time if you're going for the first time.

Parking, based on last year, was available at the new parking garage and near the train station. It's best to arrive early on weekend evenings. If you arrive after dark, you might spend a long time looking for a spot.

If you're going with kids, consider calculating the cost of a membership. Many families find that they break even after visiting two or three times in a season.

Especially since Zoo Lights is reported to have no additional fees for members, visiting a few more times during the holiday season increases the perceived benefits.

Honestly, I appreciate this structure. Many places sell holiday light events separately from daytime admission, requiring families to pay twice, but here you can enjoy the whole day with just one ticket.

I think it's a great thing for the city to have a holiday landscape that everyone can enjoy without feeling burdened.

There are a few things to keep in mind. The temperature drops quite a bit at night, so be sure to bring a light jacket.

Also, prepare your phone battery well. Taking pictures of the lights can drain your battery faster than you expect. A small portable charger can be very handy.

Comfortable sneakers are a must. Even just walking along the light path can cover quite a distance, and I've regretted wearing pretty boots in the past.

To summarize: one ticket for daytime animals, nighttime lights, choose a weekday, and check the final information at sazoo.org.

If anyone visits during the first weekend this year, please share news about any new attractions! I'll also be going soon and will leave a review!