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Go wild and fill your holiday season with the magic of light. The  OKC Zoo 's Safari Lights features a larger-than-life light display showcasing large wildlife-themed light sculptures viewable on a driving tour through the zoo. Feel the holiday cheer with animated light displays, festive treats, kids activities and themed photo opportunities.

Attendees can experience the wonder from the comfort of their vehicles by purchasing Drive-Thru Admission which includes access to the drive-thru course for one vehicle and up to four walk-thru admissions. Additional walk-thru admissions can be purchased separately.

Attendees also have the option to enjoy a separate walking experience by purchasing Walk-Thru Admission. In a brand-new pathway starting in the Zoo’s entry plaza, winding through the Children’s Zoo and outside of the Jungle Gym Playground, the walk-thru course features a musical light show produced by the Miranda Family of Edmond, interactive light exhibits, s’mores stations, photo ops and more!

The Drive-Thru course and Walk-Thru course are located on separate pathways. To experience the full OKC Zoo Safari Lights, we recommend purchasing Drive-Thru Admission.

For more details on what to expect from your OKC Zoo Safari Lights experience,  click here .

Christmas & Holiday

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Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden

ABOUT THE EVENT

Discover the magic of   OKC   ZOO   SAFARI LIGHTS , the Oklahoma City   Zoo ’s festive celebration of lights and holiday fun, presented by OG&E. Revelers of all ages will enjoy the opportunity to discover larger-than-life illuminated lanterns highlighting wildlife of the world, prehistoric animals and seasonal scenes while on a driving tour through the OKC   Zoo . The estimated drive time to complete the OKC   ZOO   SAFARI LIGHTS tour is 20 minutes. After the driving tour, guests park and re-enter the   Zoo   for an additional walking experience that begins in the entry plaza with a musical light presentation. The walking tour continues through the   Zoo ’s Children’s   Zoo   and along the Lakeside pathway where guests will enjoy interactive light displays and picture-perfect photo ops. Savor the evening with sweet treats such as s’mores and cookies and tasty beverages available for purchase in the Safari Café and Canopy Restaurant. Then pop in the   Zoo ’s Safari Gift Shop to check out a wide selection of one-of-a-kind toys and gift ideas including the event’s exclusive souvenir Glow Packages featuring light-up wristbands, necklaces, sabers and various  zoo venirs. Both small packages, $49.99 each, and large packages, $89.99 each, are available to purchase online in advance with event tickets at  www.okczoo.org/safari-lights . Brighten your OKC   ZOO   SAFARI LIGHTS nights with this season’s new and returning special activities including Dinner with Santa family-friendly series, the OKC   ZOO   SAFARI LIGHTS Lounge private event space, photo opportunities with Santa and more. Click   here   for additional details. OKC   ZOO   SAFARI LIGHTS runs nightly through New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1, 2023 with drive-thru and walk-thru experiences from 5:30 to 11 p.m. with the last check-in at 10 p.m. OKC   ZOO   SAFARI LIGHTS will be open on holiday nights including Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. Online reservations are required for OKC   ZOO   SAFARI LIGHTS and can be made at  www.okczoo.org/safari-lights . Drive-up purchases will not be accepted. Tickets are limited to ensure optimal guest experience. Admission for the drive-thru experience is $65/vehicle and includes up to 4 walk-thru admission tickets. Admission for the walk-thru only is $15/guest ages 3 and older. Supporting OKC   ZOO   SAFARI LIGHTS sponsors include Devon and MidFirst Bank. The OKC   Zoo   is now hiring for part-time positions for evening shifts to help bring OKC   ZOO   SAFARI LIGHTS to life. Must be 16 or older to apply. Those interested in this festive seasonal opportunity to earn holiday money can apply online at t  https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/okczoo/ . The   Zoo   is also in search of volunteers to assist with OKC   ZOO   SAFARI LIGHTS in various capacities. This is an ideal opportunity for group volunteers and individuals. Learn more at  www.okczoo.org/volunteer .

OKC Zoo Safari Lights

This winter, the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Gardens brings you a dazzling new drive-through experience that will fill your holiday season with the magic of light! OKC Zoo Safari Lights features 50+ larger-than-life light sculptures themed after wondrous wildlife, both real and mythical, viewable on a driving tour through the Zoo. Feel the holiday cheer with animated light displays, festive treats, kids activities and weekend visits with Santa (Thursdays-Sundays from 5:30-10 p.m. until Christmas Day).

In addition to the drive-through experience, visitors can enjoy a separate walking experience complete with interactive light exhibits, musical light performances and a festive atmosphere in the Zoo’s entry plaza, Children’s Zoo and Dino Safari.

OKC Zoo Safari Lights is open nightly from 5:30-11 p.m. through January 9. Online reservations are required. No drive-up purchases will be allowed. Tickets are limited to ensure optimal guest experience.

Drive-Through Admission - $50 per vehicle for ZOOfriends members and $60 per vehicle for non-members. Pricing also includes up to four walk-through admission tickets.

Walk-Through Only Admission - $10 per person ages 3 and up for ZOOfriends members and $12 per person ages 3 and up for non-members.

Prepare for this holly, jolly time of year and purchase your tickets for OKC Zoo Safari Lights today!

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Safari Lights returns to OKC Zoo for a bright holiday season

by Katharyn Burkhead

OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — Ring in this year's holiday season with a trip to the OKC Zoo for the Safari Lights experience.

The annual tradition is coming back to the metro for a bright experience fit for all ages.

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The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden has created "larger-than-life" light displays, photo-ops, and more.

Beginning Saturday, November 11 and running nightly through New Year's Day, guests have different options for their experiences.

Want to stay in the car? Guests have the option to purchase passes for their vehicles, drive through the park, and then take part in the walking experience.

Want to bundle up? Guests also have the option to purchase strictly walking passes, where they can experience the light show up close and personal and end their experience with cookies in the Safari Cafe or a trip to the Safari Gift Shop.

The OKC Zoo also has alternative experiences available such as the Sensory-Friendly Night, taking place on Wednesday, November 15, as well as their Private Event Space for group bookings.

During the event, admission will be from 5:30 to 11 P.M.

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Reservations are required for their drive-thru experience and are strongly recommended for their walking experience.

This light experience will feature a custom musical light show, interactive light displays, sweet treats, and tasty beverages.

Don't miss out on this Oklahoma City holiday experience.

Tickets and reservations can be purchased here.

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You Will Love The Dreamy Ride Through The Oklahoma City Zoo Safari Drive-Thru Lights

Ashley has lived in Oklahoma for 30 years and is the Oklahoma staff writer for onlyinyourstate.com. When she isn't writing about Oklahoma, she enjoys visiting the beach and exploring new areas.

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For a magical holiday experience, head to the Oklahoma City Zoo Safari Lights for an incredible drive-thru (and walking) tour. Visitors can drive through over 40 larger-than-life light displays then head into the zoo and immerse themselves in a winter wonderland filled with interactive light displays, treats, games, and much more.

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Check out this video for more information on the OKC Zoo Safari Lights and be sure to pre-purchase tickets . Tickets are limited, so don’t delay.

If you’re interested in more fun adventures at the OKC Zoo, you can see thousands of amazing animals during the day, including adorable giraffes in a fun and unique way. You can feed these gentle giants every day from 1-2 p.m. for only $3 per guest. Have you ever seen the Oklahoma City Zoo Safari Lights ? Let us know about your experience in the comments! If you haven’t been, make sure to visit Oklahoma City this holiday season to check it out as well as these other wondrous light displays in Oklahoma .

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Christmas in oklahoma.

What are the most magical Christmas light displays in Oklahoma?

The most magical Christmas light displays in Oklahoma include:

• Twin Bridges Park of Lights
• Myriad Botanical Gardens
• Garden of Lights

Oklahoma has some truly epic light displays. The Twin Bridges Park of Lights in Fairland is comprised of over 40 holiday light displays sure to dazzle you. Enjoy hot cocoa while you ride trains, listen to carolers, and meet with Santa Claus. Oklahoma City's Myriad Botanical Gardens has a massive ice skating rink surrounded by thousands of brilliant lights, making it a magical holiday experience. Muskogee really thrills with its Garden of Lights. 1.2 million lights turn this lush park into a winter wonderland, and you can enjoy it in your car or on foot. Much of the display is synchronized to music which really brings some magic to the experience.

Discover more about the most magical Christmas light displays in Oklahoma . 

What are the best Christmas towns in Oklahoma?

The best Christmas towns in Oklahoma include:

Oklahoma may not sound like an especially Christmasy place, but there are several towns that really get into the Christmas spirit. Tonkawa has its Olde Tyme Christmas Celebration with a parade, and a giant Christmas tree lighting, and kids can get their picture taken with Santa. The main area of town is decked out with garlands, lights, and more, making it a lovely Christmas destination. Guthrie has several Christmas events that remember the Territorial Days and bring old-fashioned Victorian Christmas traditions to the current day. With Victorian walks and Wassail beverages, you'll think you're in a holiday movie.

Learn more about the best Christmas towns in Oklahoma . 

What are Oklahoma's best holiday festivals?

Oklahoma's best holiday festivals include:

• Festival of Light
• The Philbrook Festival

Perhaps the most amazing Christmastime festival in the state is the Festival of Light in Chickasha . With over 3.5 million lights and a 172-foot-tall Christmas tree, you won't see anything else like it. There are over four miles of walkable lighted trails to really put you in the holiday mood. If you'd prefer the comfort of your car, there are drive-through displays as well. This is one you won't forget! The Philbrook Festival in Tulsa has a Lego Village, train rides, live music, tons of shopping, and the whole place is gorgeously lit with Christmas lights. It tends to sell out quickly, so get tickets as soon as possible!

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OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS

Feel the holiday cheer with animated light displays, festive treats, kids activities and weekend visits with Santa.

OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS features a larger-than-life light display showcasing over 59 wildlife themed light sculptures viewable on a driving tour through the Zoo. To make the event extra spectacular, drive-thru attendees can pre-order glow items to light the night!

In addition to the drive-thru experience, OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS includes a separate walking experience with interactive light exhibits, musical light performances and lots of other winter magic as guests journey through the Zoo’s entry plaza, Children’s Zoo and DINO SAFARI.

Oklahoma City Zoo

2101 NE 50 th Street Oklahoma City, OK 73111

Nov 6, 2021 – Jan 9, 2022

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Oklahoma City Zoo's Safari Lights opens this weekend

Safari Lights starts Saturday and runs through New Year's Day

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The Oklahoma City Zoo's popular Safari Lights display officially opens for the holiday season this weekend.

The lights and lanterns for this year's Safari Lights display are set up and ready for thousands of guests to enjoy once the experience opens on Saturday.

| MORE | OKC Zoo's Safari Lights is in the running for USA Today's Best Zoo Lights

People who head out to the zoo can enjoy Safari Lights in two ways – in their car or in a walk-through experience.

OKC Zoo Safari Lights starts nightly at 5:30 p.m. and runs through 11 p.m., with the last check-in at 10 p.m.

"The first is through a driving tour, so you'll actually drive your car through a section of the Oklahoma City Zoo and see all of these different lanterns come to life," Candice Rennels, with the Oklahoma City Zoo, said. "With the walking experience, you'll be able to get some great photos. So, we have some of those perfect 'Instagrammable' moments, and then we have a lot of fun interactives."

Admission for the drive-thru is $60 per vehicle for Zoofriends members and $70 for nonmembers and includes up to four walk-thru admission tickets. The walk-thru-only admission is $14 per guest for Zoofriends members and $16 for nonmembers ages 3 and older.

Along with Safari Lights, the OKC Zoo will offer two other experiences for 2023.

From 6-9 p.m. on Nov. 15, there will be a sensory-friendly OKC Zoo Safari Lights Night designed for guests with sensory sensitivities and their families. The night will have a smaller crowd, quieter music and a designated quiet area inside the zoo's Canopy Restaurant.

Online reservations are required and can be made here . Safari Lights runs through New Year's Day.

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