OKLAHOMA CITY — As the weather cools, the holiday season kicks off with OKC Zoo’s Safari Lights, featuring over 60 wildlife sculptures, expanded light displays, illuminated lanterns, and both drive-thru and walk-thru options.
Now open nightly, guests can enjoy holiday treats, kid-friendly activities, and photo opportunities—all against a backdrop of glowing snowflakes and warm cups of hot chocolate to enjoy.
Safari Lights has become a beloved holiday tradition in Oklahoma City, now in its fourth year. It honors a late ’80s and early ’90s tradition, where guests would drive through the park to view holiday lights across the lake—a nostalgic nod to an experience from over 30 years ago.
“Safari Lights has definitely become a tradition,” said Candice Rennels, Director of Public Relations for the Oklahoma City Zoo, in an interview with Free Press. “And it’s one that we love having here at the Zoo.”
Lions and Santas and bears, oh my!
The festivities begin as soon as guests enter the zoo with a custom light show set to music in the entry plaza.
“It sets the tone for Safari Lights and gets you in the spirit,” said Rennels.
As guests continue through the zoo, they’ll encounter holiday-themed lights, including elves popping out of Christmas gifts, snowman families, and Christmas trees. These displays are complemented by animal-themed lights featuring majestic lions, laughing hyenas, a giant cobra, colorful peacocks, and creepy, crawly tarantulas.
Even if visitors have seen the exhibit before, new displays each year make it unique.
“I always encourage people to come out and see it in person,” Rennels said. “These lights are beautiful and unique, combining wildlife and holiday themes. It’s a fun mix celebrating the holidays and the uniqueness of the zoo.”
Guests can enjoy Safari Lights from their vehicles with Drive-Thru Admission, where they can pre-order hot chocolate and kettle corn. The drive-thru takes about 30 minutes, and each admission allows entry for one vehicle plus up to four walk-thru admissions for re-entry.
Those who prefer to walk can choose Walk-Thru Admission. The paths, though similar each year, offer new surprises. The walk-thru course includes a musical light show and interactive exhibits like light-up, ring-shaped swings.
Each year, new interactive elements are added, such as dots that light up when stepped on and firework displays activated by stationary bikes. Everywhere you turn, there’s something to interact with.
Maryam Kari and her son Benicio Alvarez enjoyed the interactive displays, especially a parrot light display that repeats what guests say into a microphone.
“I have been having so much fun,” Kari said. “They change it every year, so it’s fun to see the new lights, and it’s great to come with my son. He’s just loving it.”
Safari Lights also offers festive treats, with s’mores stations along the walking path and menu items like “Flamingo Fries,” funnel cake fries topped with pink icing, sprinkles, and an edible candy flamingo. Seasonal drinks, including hot chocolate and cider, are available, with alcoholic options for those 21 and over. Souvenir cups are on sale throughout the event.
Adding to the holiday cheer, Santa will make weekend appearances at Safari Lights. Visitors can meet Santa for photos along the walking path near the Jungle Gym Thursdays through Sundays from November 28 to December 15, and daily from December 18 to 24. Photos with Santa are available for an additional fee, with no reservation required.
‘I Want A Hippopotamus for Christmas’
Safari Lights kicked off Nov. 6 with a festive performance by Oklahoma City University dancers previewing their Holiday Spectacular. Then came a crowd favorite: Gayla Peevey leading a sing-along of “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas,” a song that has become iconic to the zoo.
In 1953, Gayla Peevey’s song helped the Oklahoma City Zoo raise enough funds to bring Mathilda, the zoo’s first hippo, to the city. The song’s success sparked a fundraising campaign where children sent in their nickels and dimes, resulting in the arrival of Mathilda.
Over the next 50 years, Mathilda had a mate, Norm, and nine calves, becoming a beloved icon at the Zoo. Peevey, who had moved to California, often returned to visit and has always held a special place in her heart for the zoo and its legacy.
“We’re proud of our connection to the song,” said Zoo CEO Dwight Lawson at the event. “We’re grateful to Gayla for bringing so much joy to generations of fans.”
To honor Peevey’s contribution, the zoo will unveil a bronze sculpture, Gayla’s Hippo Hero, by Oklahoma City sculptor Quincy Reed, to be installed in the Loves Pachyderm Building in Summer 2025.
“I never expected my song to still be around,” Peevey said in an interview with Free Press. “It’s just a fun, cheery Christmas song, and it’s so special to see kids sing it.”
Peevey returned to Safari Lights for sing-alongs, as she did last year for the 70th anniversary of her song. This year, she signed autographs, posed for photos, and helped flip the switch to light up the zoo. Excited to be back, she enjoyed the lights and holiday spirit, saying she’s been fascinated by the display since she first saw it.
“What a fun, spectacular way to start the season,” Peevey said. “It’s magical. I’m happy to be a part of it.”
Celebrate the holidays at the Zoo
Safari Lights at the Oklahoma City Zoo offers both drive-thru and walk-thru experiences, with online reservations required. The event is open nightly from November 9 through January 1 from 5:30 to 11:00 p.m., with the last check-in at 10:00 p.m.
Tickets must be pre-purchased, and the drive-thru tour lasts about 20 minutes. Safari Gifts is also open, offering plush animals, nature-inspired gifts, and exclusive “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” apparel and collectibles.
On November 8, the Zoo hosted a Sensory-Friendly Night, offering a more comfortable experience with reduced strobe lighting, lower music volume, and no fast-paced entry plaza show for guests with sensory sensitivities. A new sensory calming room is also available during regular hours and Safari Lights for families needing a break from the stimulation.
The zoo has been nominated again for the USA Today 10 Best Travelers’ Choice Award for Best Zoo Lights. After placing sixth last year, the zoo is aiming for the top spot this year. Voting runs from November 5 to December 2 at OKCzoo.org. Safari Lights runs nightly at the Zoo from November 9 through January 1.
Zoe Elrod covers events and happenings around Oklahoma City for Free Press bringing her skill as a reporter and photographer. Zoe has spent her career covering local musicians, artists, politicians, and everyday folks.