By 1808Delaware
One of the new polar bears at this year’s Wildlights will be made from more than 24,000 bricks.
Think the butter cow at the Ohio State Fair but a different animal and material.
The life-sized cub is part of Bricktopia, a new indoor attraction announced November 2 by the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Outside, a separate addition will turn animals into oversized illuminated sculptures. Together, they give returning visitors something new to look for when Wildlights opens on November 20.
Two new stops on the holiday route
According to the zoo’s announcement, Bricktopia was developed with OhioLUG, a recognized LEGO fan community. The walk-through display in Asia Quest’s Interpretive Center will include nine animal-character mosaics, a brick-built train and a holiday animal village alongside the polar bear cub.
Starlight Safari, in Adventure Cove, will feature seven three-dimensional illuminated animal displays representing the zoo’s regions. An elephant and calf, a manatee and a giraffe are among the planned figures. The gorilla display is scheduled to arrive in December.
Three rides join the admission package
Another change affects what a visit includes. The zoo says rides on its holiday train, Yuletide Dino Island boat ride and Grand Carousel are included with regular admission or membership this season.
The Wildlights planning page lists the boat ride through December 31. Wildlights itself continues through January 3, 2027.
Plan for an afternoon and an evening
During the season, the zoo opens at 12:00 PM, with Wildlights beginning at 5:00 PM. Closing time is 9:00 PM Sunday through Thursday and 10:00 PM Friday and Saturday. The zoo will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Wildlights is included with regular zoo admission or membership. Current tickets and visitor information are available through the event page. Visitors hoping to see animals as well as holiday displays should consider arriving before dark. The zoo recommends coming before 4:00 PM for animals such as gorillas and orangutans, which retire early. An evening light display does not mean every animal will remain on view.
The Full List of what’s new
This is everything new this year:
Starlight Safari
Adventure Cove will shine with seven larger-than-life, three-dimensional illuminated animal displays. Representing the Zoo’s iconic regions, these radiant displays feature a polar bear, an Asian elephant and calf, a Florida manatee, a western lowland gorilla (arriving in December), a Masai giraffe, a red kangaroo, and a California sea lion. Set against serene celestial music, this nighttime experience surrounds guests with shimmering lights and brilliant colors. The popular Pixel Passage, presented by Diamond Cellar, also returns, inviting guests to stroll through an immersive tunnel of glowing lights.
Bricktopia: An Array of WILD Builds
Created in partnership with OhioLUG, a Recognized LEGO® Fan Community, this new walk-through experience inside the Interpretive Center in the Zoo’s Asia Quest region showcases creativity, brick by brick. Guests can explore nine intricate mosaics featuring the Zoo’s beloved Character Ambassadors, an elaborate brick-built train display, a whimsical Holiday Animal Village, and a life-sized polar bear cub sculpture constructed from more than 24,000 bricks.
More Attractions Included With Admission
This year, guests can enjoy the 12 Days of Wildlights Train Ride, Yuletide Dino Island Boat Ride, and Grand Carousel as part of their regular Zoo admission or membership, offering even more ways to celebrate the season.
Starlight Constellation Quest
Sponsored by Disney On Ice presents Magic in the Stars, this star-inspired experience in Adventure Cove adds another element to this year’s Wildlights celebration.
Enhanced Holiday Projections
Expanded holiday projections add colorful, animated displays to select areas of the Zoo, creating an even more festive atmosphere for guests.
Additional Holiday Lighting
New overhead light displays and festive lighting enhancements throughout the Zoo add even more sparkle to this year’s Wildlights celebration.
