San Antonio Zoo is centering this year’s Zoo Lights on Congo Falls, where a 129-foot Christmas tree will rise above the gorilla habitat as part of A Very Congo Falls Christmas. The display is part of the 11th annual event, which runs daily from November 14, 2026, through January 3, 2027.
The tree is built atop the Mays Family Silverback Peak, according to San Antonio Zoo. Congo Falls is home to seven western lowland gorillas and will be decorated for the season with lights and gorilla-inspired snowflakes, as reported by Yahoo Lifestyle.
Zoo Lights is included with standard admission and remains free for zoo members, according to the zoo announcement. Some activities, food and other holiday offerings cost extra, and an after-hours experience with select activities and seasonal options is available for an additional purchase.
A Festive New Look for the Gorilla Habitat
This year’s display brings Zoo Lights into Congo Falls, adding seasonal decorations to the gorilla habitat as part of the event’s broader transformation of the zoo after dark.
Congo Falls itself was introduced to San Antonio Zoo visitors as a roughly two-acre gorilla habitat divided into three distinct spaces, including Lowland Basin, Gorilla Gorge and an indoor, climate-controlled rainforest, according to earlier reporting from the San Antonio Report. That coverage noted no special ticket was needed to see the gorillas, since Congo Falls admission was folded into the standard zoo entry price — the same included-admission model the zoo is now applying to this year's holiday lights.
On nighttime animal care, San Antonio Zoo’s Zoo Lights FAQ says that “the animals tuck in for the evening” during the event, without describing a gorilla-specific care protocol. The zoo’s official listing for the previous season gives its dates as November 15, 2025, through January 4, 2026.
Thirteen Holiday Realms and a New Savanna Market
The zoo’s 13 holiday realms span the grounds and include Feliz Forest, Water Wonderland, Glistening Grove, Starry Safari, Peppermint Point, Gumdrop Grove and Snowman Summit. The route features illuminated tunnels, large decorations and spots for photos.
The 2026 lineup also introduces Sweet Savannah Market in the savanna area. At Spekboom, the decorations take on peppermint, gumdrop and gingerbread themes. Lakeside Lights returns with a lights-and-water show, and visitors can reserve a Santa photo at Beastro Restaurant on select dates and times.
Powered by CPS Energy
CPS Energy is powering the Zoo Lights production, a partnership that has supported the event in previous years. The zoo announced the 2026 lineup on Monday, November 9, 2026; tickets and further details are available on the zoo’s website.
