By 1808Delaware
With winter’s sparkle just around the corner, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium invites guest to bask in the enchantment of Wildlights, powered efficiently by AEP Ohio. Through January 5, the Zoo will shine brighter than ever, with millions of LED lights, festive attractions, and special experiences designed to create cherished family memories.
Exclusive Early Access: Columbus Zoo members can enjoy a special preview on Member Night, November 21, while a Sensory-Friendly Light Stroll will be offered November 19, with a modified experience for guests seeking a calmer atmosphere.
As the animals rest for the night, Wildlights takes center stage with an array of activities and displays, including:
Attractions
- “Sparkling Spruce,” presented by Diamond Cellar: Admire an animated holiday tree illuminated with a captivating light and sound show within the Adventure Cove region.
- Jingle Jam, presented by Nationwide: Watch as 36 spheres of light dance to seasonal tunes at Shores Play Park.
- Holiday Magic Animated Light Display: Enjoy a spectacular of light and sound as the lights around Conservation Lake are set to four different songs each hour.
- Holiday Tree Trail: Stroll through a display of decorated trees in the Asia Quest region, representing the Zoo’s regions and Character Ambassadors. Guests can also view an animated bear band called The Oak Ridge Bears and their Jingle Jamboree.
- Magical Projection Mapping: The Barn, presented by Bob Evans Grocery, comes to life in this unique way to put everyone in the holiday mood.
- Ring in the New Year photo spot: Capture memories with the diamond ring display, presented by Diamond Cellar, at the Adventure Cove entrance.
- Conservation Courtyard Christmas Tree: See a tree adorned with silver and gold animal ornaments.
- S’mores Experience: Roast marshmallows by Wild Burger and the Congo Marketplace in the Zoo’s new Congo Social area. (Additional fee; weather permitting.)
Rides
- NEW for 2024: Dino Island gets a holiday makeover! Enjoy Dinosaur Island: Yule Tide Boat, a whimsical Jurassic journey to put a roar into the holiday season.
- “12 Days of Wildlights” Train Ride: Sing along to a Zoo-themed rendition of the “12 Days of Christmas” while riding through a dazzling display in the North America region.
- 1914 Mangels/Ilions Carousel: Enjoy a nostalgic ride on the classic carousel.
(Additional fees and rider restrictions apply.)
Experiences
- “Sounds of the Season,” presented by WODC 93.3 The Bus: Enjoy performances by local choirs, bands, and musical groups at 7 p.m. on select nights at the Lakeside Pavilion.
- “Jolliest Holiday Craft Beer Celebration” (21+): Sample seasonal craft beers, ciders, and seltzers throughout the park. (Additional fee; weather permitting.)
- Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 4-D® Adventure: Immerse yourself in a holiday 4-D experience. (Additional fees apply.)
- Reindeer Corral: Visit Santa’s reindeer relatives on your way to meet him Jolly Saint Nick at Polar Frontier.
- Santa Experience: Share holiday wishes with Santa and capture the moment with a photo. (Reservations recommended; Santa departs after Dec. 23.)
- Rudolph and Friends Character Experience: Meet Rudolph, Hermey, Bumble, and Yukon Cornelius at select times in the Polar Frontier.
Note: Some activities may have additional fees and are subject to change. Visit ColumbusZoo.org for the complete Wildlights schedule.
Animal Viewing Opportunities
While Wildlights shines with festive lights, guests can arrive early to see animals before the event begins. Some animals, such as gorillas and polar bears, may retire early, while others remain in outdoor or indoor habitats, including:
- Sea lion tunnel and Jack Hanna’s Animal Encounters Village (Adventure Cove)
- Naomi Coyle Dempsey Quest for Enlightenment Interpretive Center (Asia Quest)
- Elephant Building (Asia Quest)
- Discovery Reef Aquarium and Manatee Coast (Shores & Aquarium)
- Reptile Building (Shores & Aquarium)
Hour for each habitat will vary.
Visitor Information
NEW HOURS: During the Wildlights season, regular Zoo hours are 12:00 p.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Wildlights activities run Sunday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. The Zoo will be closed on Thanksgiving (Nov. 24), Christmas Day (Dec. 25). The Zoo is open Christmas Eve (Dec. 24) from 12:00 – 5 p.m. (No Widlights).
NEW for 2024: Guests can prepare for their visit ahead of time, including arrival and parking, at the Zoo’s Know Before You Go page.
NEW for 2024: The Columbus Zoo is cashless, and guests can find more information on our website.
COST: Wildlights is included with regular Zoo admission. Columbus Zoo members receive free admission.
Photosensitivity Notice: Wildlights features flashing lights. Visitors with photosensitivity should take necessary precautions.
