By 1808Delaware
The stretch of days between Christmas and New Year’s Eve can feel like a holding pattern. The pace slows, routines blur, and people start asking what to do with themselves. This year, the Columbus Zoo has an answer that cuts straight through the lull: Brew Lights, a new 21+ beer festival set for December 26 and 27 from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
It’s shaping up to be the kind of event that earns a spot on the annual holiday calendar. Central Ohio breweries will be pouring seasonal picks, rich stouts, crisp lagers, and a lineup of local favorites. Guests get a tasting passport to guide them through the evening, with extra drinks and food available along the way.
Wildlights Sets the Stage
Brew Lights folds into the full Wildlights experience, which is included with admission. Arriving early gives visitors time to take in familiar showstoppers like Sparkling Spruce, the towering tree that draws crowds to the Adventure Cove region each year. Moving from the calm glow of Wildlights into the energy of Brew Lights gives the evening a steady build, rather than a cold start.
Music to Carry the Night
Each night features a different Central Ohio favorite. Zack Attack takes the stage on Friday at 8:00 PM, bringing their high-energy covers. On Saturday, McGuffey Lane steps in at 8:00 PM with the kind of set that gets people singing along whether they planned to or not. Last call comes at 10:30 PM, and the festival wraps at 11:00 PM both nights.
Admission and Options
Early bird pricing runs through December 11. Standard pricing begins December 12. Zoo members get a slight discount, but the gap isn’t large enough to make membership the only way to justify a ticket.
Early Bird
Zoo Member: $44.99
Non-Member: $49.99
Standard
Zoo Member: $54.99
Non-Member: $59.99
This ticket covers Brew Lights, Wildlights, live music, and Zoo admission for one night.
A Look at the Weekend Lineup
Friday, December 26
Zoo open: 12:00 PM
Wildlights: 5:00 PM
Brew Lights: 7:00 PM
Zack Attack: 8:00 PM
Last Call: 10:30 PM
Event ends: 11:00 PM
Saturday, December 27
Zoo open: 12:00 PM
Wildlights: 5:00 PM
Brew Lights: 7:00 PM
McGuffey Lane: 8:00 PM
Last Call: 10:30 PM
Event ends: 11:00 PM
The Draw
Plenty of beer festivals try to stand out, but Brew Lights has the advantage of place. You don’t find many tasting events where the backdrop includes millions of lights, music, animals, and a holiday crowd that’s already in a good mood. It’s a smart way to stretch the season without drifting into New Year’s Eve territory.
Tickets and details are available at the Columbus Zoo’s website.
