Become a Zoo Member!
Unlimited visits all year long, free parking, and more.
November 20, 2026 - January 3, 2027
SUNDAY thru THURSDAY: 12 p.m. - 9 p.m. | FRIDAY and SATURDAY: 12 p.m. - 10 p.m.
One of Ohio's Favorite Holiday Traditions! Experience the magic of the holiday season in Central Ohio with millions of dazzling LED zoo lights, animated musical light shows, and festive activities at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium! Admission to Wildlights is included with your regular Zoo admission or Columbus Zoo membership. To catch a glimpse of the animals before they retreat for the evening, be sure to arrive early and enjoy the Zoo lights afterward!
Things to See and do at Wildlights
We have a elephant-sized ton of fun planned for you this holiday season at the Columbus Zoo!
- NEW! Starlight Safari featuring seven larger-than-life animal sculptures—one representing each region of the Zoo—each will be illuminated by thousands of points of light.
- NEW! Bricktopia: An array of WILD Builds created by the OhioLUG, a Recognized LEGO Fan Community, inside the Naomi Coyle Dempsey Quest for Enlightenment Interpretive Center
- NEW! Starlight Constellation Quest sponsored by Disney on Ice presents Magic in the Stars
Zoo Map Upgrade to a VIP Tour of Wildlights
Check out what's happening in each Zoo region!
ADVENTURE COVE REGION: Holiday lights, sea lions, and sparkle.
- NEW: Starlight Safari featuring seven larger-than-life animal sculptures—one representing each region of the Zoo—each will be illuminated by thousands of points of light.
- NEW! Starlight Constellation Quest sponsored by Disney on Ice presents Magic in the Stars
- Stroll through an immersive holiday passage full of glowing lights!
- Ring in the New Year, presented by Diamond Cellar
AUSTRALIA & THE ISLANDS: Yule Tide Boat Ride, s'mores, and virtual reality.
- FREE rides on The Dino Island Yule Tide Boat Ride! (Available through Dec. 31)
- Wild Explorer Virtual Reality (Available through Dec. 31)
- S'mores and Frosted Nuts in Congo Social
ASIA QUEST REGION: Bricktopia, Notes of Hope, & baby elephants.
NEW: Bricktopia: An array of WILD Builds created by the OhioLUG, a Recognized LEGO Fan Community, inside the Naomi Coyle Dempsey Quest for Enlightenment Interpretive Center
Check out the custom Zoo holiday projections on the front yard wall in our elephant habitat!
ENTRY VILLAGE & THE LAKE: Light shows, food, and surprises.
- Two animated Holiday Magic light shows you won't want to miss around Conservation Lake (caution for those with light sensitivities)
- A Character Ambassador meet-and-greet and photo opportunity
- S'mores and Frosted Nuts at Wild Burger
- Rest in our Adirondack chairs around the lake
NORTH AMERICA TREK REGION: Reindeer, train rides, and barn animals.
- FREE rides on the "12 Days of Wildlights" Train Ride
- Visit our Reindeer Corral
Upgrade Your Visit: Get even closer to the Zoo's reindeer herd and see Santa, too!
Wildlights Reindeer Experience North America Trek Region Info
POLAR FRONTIER REGION: Santa, singing bears, and holiday magic.
- Take time out of your visit to see the jolly ol' elf himself. Please note that Santa will not be available for photos after 12/23.
- Dance along to the holiday tunes of the animated Oak Ridge Bears Jingle Jamboree presented by Two Rivers Restaurant and Bar
SHORES & AQUARIUM REGION: Holiday dancing, carousel rides, and fish.
- Jingle Jam, presented by Nationwide (Light sensivity warning)
- FREE 1914 Historic Carousel rides
- A bite-size holiday movie at the Zoo's 4-D Theater
Holiday Shopping and Dining at the Zoo
Dining and Shopping
While you stroll through the Zoo lights, enjoy many food and beverage options, including:
- Grab a bite to eat, featuring everything from a warm pretzel to the best fried chicken you'll have all holiday season
- Seasonal beers and cocktails are available at kiosks throughout the Zoo for Wildlights guests age 21+ with a valid ID
- Stroll through our gift shops for that perfect Zoo gift! Hint: Zoo members receive a 10% discount on all retail items!
Get ready for Your wildlights visit
Here are some things to know before your visit to the Columbus Zoo so you can prepare for the jolliest time with your friends and family!
Plan for Your Arrival and Parking
Get all the info you need to know for a holly jolly experience at the Zoo.
Download our FREE Mobile App
Find animals, food, and cozy indoor spaces. Get in-park walking directions, too!
Holiday Events
We've got a little something for everyone...sensory-friendly events, a beer festival, a members-only night, and more!
What Zoo Animals Can You See During Wildlights?
Guests are encouraged to arrive before 4 p.m. to view some animals like the gorillas and orangutans, who like to go to sleep early. Other animals may be able to be seen outdoors (like reindeer and tigers!), and more can be found in their indoor habitats, including:
- Sea lions and harbor seals in Adventure Cove
- Jack Hanna’s Animal Encounters Village residents
- Naomi Coyle Dempsey Quest for Enlightenment Interpretive Center residents, like bats, langur monkeys, and sloth bears.
- Asian elephants (both babies born this year could either be in the indoor habitat or sleeping behind-the-scenes by this time of night)
- Discovery Reef fish and sharks
- Manatees, including our beloved resident manatee, Stubby
- Reptile Building residents like snakes, turtles, and hellbenders!
To help us care for the animals, please avoid the use of flashlights or phone lights into animal habitats. These lights can interfere with their nighttime activities and the behaviors our teams monitor closely. Thank you for helping us support their wellbeing.
Before You Head Out
Before you head to Wildlights, there’s a couple things we want to make sure you know before you go!
- Arrive early to see animals, many of whom are in for the night at 5 p.m.
- Dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes. The Zoo is huge, and your visit will last a few hours!
- Be patient and be prepared. The Zoo is a popular holiday destination in Ohio!
- Don’t forget to try our hot cocoa! We think it’s the best in town.
- Weekdays = smaller crowds! Wildlights is just as enjoyable during the week as it is on the weekends.
