Sneak Peek Into The Incredible 2025 OKC Zoo Safari Lights Experience

Deck the halls with lights and cocoa! Or... something like that!

It's officially the holiday season in Oklahoma, even if we're still cutting our grass and sporting shorts and t-shirts during the day. One of the benefits of living in the Sooner state is knowing that the freezing temperatures generally hold off until later in the year, and we can still enjoy outdoor experiences without many layers.

On Wednesday, November 12, the OKC Zoo closed the gates for the evening, but welcomed a handful of members, media, and partners to experience a sneak peek of the new-and-improved Safari Lights display. Highlights of the event are shared below for families to enjoy this winter.

Bittersweet tree lighting ceremony to kick off the 2025 Safari Lights experience.

Nearly every year, the OKC Zoo celebrates the "tree lighting" ceremony with a special performance from the original singer of "I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas," Ms. Gayla Peevey. This year, however, due to unforeseen travel issues, she was unable to attend the kick-off ceremony. But, as they say in show business, "the show must go on."

Instead, the CEO of the OKC Zoo, Dr. Dwight Lawson, and the CEO of their largest sponsor for the event, OG&E, Sean Trauschke, helped introduce the festivities. Between the incredibly talented tapdancing nutcracker dancers, welcoming holiday characters, and a fantastic hot cocoa bar, everything was perfect for an opening ceremony.

@danicarsonmusic Thank you so much to the @okczoo for inviting us to the Sneak Peek of this year’s Safari Light’s display! What a beautiful way to celebrate the holiday season! #okczoo #oklahoma #danicarsonmusic #popcrush1073 #lawton ♬ original sound - christmas sounds

Once the light switch went on, families and visitors set off on a unique adventure that you truly won't experience anywhere else this year in Oklahoma.

New lanterns, exhibits, and other highlights at this year's Safari Lights experience.

One of my personal favorite spots was the "mirror exhibit." Inside a giant present box, you'll find one of the most magical setups. Make sure to duck low, especially if you're tall!

The Safari Lights are known for tying together the holiday spirit with a touch of animal magic. Several of the displays take you through some of the exhibits, although most of the animals are bedded down beforehand.

The life-sized holiday-themed lanterns were a beautiful touch and made the experience even more mesmerizing for both adults and children alike. But you can't beat the hands-on, interactive setups that you'll find scattered throughout the walk-through, which are different each year.

The Safari Lights at the OKC Zoo open officially on Saturday, November 15, 2025.

We don't want to spill all of the beans and ruin the magic for you - you'll just have to experience the lights display and more for yourself. This year, the Safari Lights are kicking off on Saturday, November 15.

Tickets are $14-$18 per person for the walk-thru experience and $60 - $78 for the drive thru. Those who opt to drive-through will also be given walk-through tickets, so you don't miss out on the hands-on fun. To purchase tickets, click here.

Of course, members pay different prices; reach out to the OKC Zoo to discuss membership prices and perks of being a member. The Lights are only up until January 4, so take advantage while you can.