San Antonio Zoo Lights returns with 129-foot Christmas tree at new Congo Falls display!

San Antonio Zoo Lights returns with 129-foot Christmas tree at new Congo Falls display! by Jessica Warner Mon, November 9, 2026 at 1:49 PM 7 VIEW ALL PHOTOS The San Antonio Zoo is gearing up for the holidays with the return of Zoo Lights powered by CPS Energy, running daily from Nov. 14, 2026, through Jan. 3, 2027, and featuring a new 129-foot Christmas tree. (SBG San Antonio) Comment on this story 0 Comment Share story Share topics: SanAntonioZoo ZooLights CongoFalls ChristmasTree Gorillas HolidayTransformation CPSEnergy SanAntonio SAN ANTONIO - The San Antonio Zoo is gearing up for the holidays with the return of Zoo Lights powered by CPS Energy, running daily from Nov. 14, 2026, through Jan. 3, 2027, and featuring a new 129-foot Christmas tree. The zoo announced Monday, Nov. 9, 2026, that this year’s event will include the debut of A Very Congo Falls Christmas, a holiday transformation of Congo Falls, the zoo’s largest and most innovative expansion to date. The display centers on what the zoo calls the “tallest & wildest Christmas tree in Texas,” turning the Mays Family Silverback Peak into a 129-foot holiday centerpiece. Congo Falls, home to seven western lowland gorillas, will be decorated with twinkling trees, colorful Christmas lights and gorilla-inspired snowflakes throughout the guest experience, the zoo said. “Zoo Lights is one of San Antonio's most cherished holiday traditions, and we're always looking for new ways to make the holiday season bigger, brighter and wilder!” said Tim Morrow, president and CEO of the San Antonio Zoo. “This year, we're especially excited to introduce A Very Congo Falls Christmas, bringing a festive new experience to our incredible gorilla habitat. We're proud to create a place where families can come together, celebrate the holidays, and make memories that last a lifetime.” In addition to Congo Falls, the zoo said guests can explore 13 holiday realms across the property, including Feliz Forest, Water Wonderland, Glistening Grove, Starry Safari, Peppermint Pointe, Gumdrop Grove and Snowman Summit, along with glowing tunnels, larger-than-life decorations and photo opportunities. New and returning attractions listed by the zoo include Sweet Savanna Market, a new holiday marketplace in the savanna area; a Spekboom Holiday Transformation with peppermint, gumdrop and gingerbread-themed decor; Lakeside Lights, a holiday light show; and Photos with Santa at Beastro Restaurant by reservation on select dates and times. The zoo said Zoo Lights is included with standard admission and is free for San Antonio Zoo members. The event also includes an after-hours experience, with select activities and seasonal offerings available for an additional purchase. More information and tickets are available at www.sazoo.org . Trending Family of five killed after SUV leaves wet IH-10 overpass in Seguin, parents identified Rain-slicked IH-10 in Seguin turned deadly when a Chevrolet Tahoe left an overpass near FM 725, killing a Porter family of five, including three children. FM 725 was shut for hours as police investigate. Two adults, three children killed after vehicle goes off bridge near I-10 in Seguin A single-vehicle crash near FM 725 and Interstate 10 prompted road closures in Seguin on Sunday afternoon, according to the Seguin Police Department.In a traffic alert posted to Facebook, police said at 1:30 p.m. on Highway 281 Southbound re-opened after 18-wheeler crash Highway 281 Southbound re-opened after 18-wheeler crash Fried Chicken Sandwich Day: Where to find the best deals National Fried Chicken Sandwich Day brings free and discounted sandwiches to San Antonio, with app and rewards deals from Popeyes, Wingstop, McDonald’s, Whataburger, KFC and more as chicken sandwich demand keeps rising. Eastland family loses control of Camp Mystic A federal bankruptcy judge has stripped the Eastland family of control of Camp Mystic, installing two independent overseers as the camp faces a criminal probe and wrongful-death suits tied to the July 2025 flood. NEWS IN PHOTOS: " Local " 14 NEW Second suspect in officer-involved shooting dies from injuries, investigation continues 3 NEW MISSING ELDERLY: 69-year-old Krayles Banks last seen on Sunday 8 NEW Overcast, soggy, and cool weather: Additional 1 to 3 inches of rain expected 3 NEW Texas Veterans Legal Aid Week brings free civil legal help to San Antonio veterans