Columbus Zoo and Aquarium | Wildlights Zoo Lights

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!

Mark Your Calendars! Wildlights is scheduled for November 20, 2026 - January 3, 2027.

Things to Do and See at Wildlights

We have a elephant-sized ton of fun planned for you this holiday season!

Adventure Cove

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.
Stroll through an immersive holiday passage full of glowing lights!
NEW! Starlight Constellation Quest sponsored by Disney on Ice presents Magic in the Stars
Ring in the New Year, presented by Diamond Cellar

Conservation Lake and Entry Village

Two animated Holiday Magic light shows you won't want to miss (Light sensitivity warning)
A Character Ambassador meet-and-greet and photo opportunity
S'mores and Frosted Nuts at Wild Burger

Asia Quest

NEW: Bricktopia: An array of WILD Builds created by the Ohio LEGO® User Group (Ohio LUG) inside the Naomi Coyle Dempsey Quest for Enlightenment Interpretive Center

North America

FREE rides on the "12 Days of Wildlights" Train Ride, presented by Primrose Schools
Visit our Reindeer Corral

Polar Frontier

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 and Aquariums

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

Australia and the Islands

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

Zoo Map

zoo guests during holiday event

child and father on carousel

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!

NOTE: To help us care for the animals, please avoid the use of flashlights or phone lights in 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.

Columbus Zoo Map download the free zoo app

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!

Download our FREE Mobile App

Find animals, food, and cozy indoor spaces. Get in-park walking directions, too!

Download the Free App

Plan for Your Arrival and Parking

Get all the info you need to know for a holly jolly experience at the Zoo.

Wildlights Guest Information

The Columbus Zoo is Cashless

No worries, we have ways to convert your cash to a debit card and accept many other forms of payment, too.

Learn More

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!

More Food and Shopping Info Online Holiday Gift Guide