Columbus Zoo and Aquarium | Wildlights Zoo Lights

Wildlights graphic

Thank you for a GREAT 2024 Wildlights season! We look forward to seeing you at the Columbus Zoo in 2025.

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!

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!

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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

Zoo Map

Things to Do and See at Wildlights

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

Adventure Cove

Ring in the New Year, presented by Diamond Cellar
Sparkling Spruce, presented by Diamond Cellar

Conservation Lake

Conservation Courtyard Christmas tree
Holiday Magic Animated Light Display
Sounds of the Season performances, presented by 93.3 The Bus
NEW: S'mores and Frosted Nuts at Wild Burger

Asia Quest

Holiday Tree Trail

Australia and the Islands

NEW: The Dino Island Yule Tide Boat Ride! (Available through Dec. 31)
NEW: Wild Explorer Virtual Reality (Available through Dec. 31)
NEW: S'mores and Frosted Nuts in Congo Social

North America

Magical Projection Mapping on The Barn, presented by Bob Evans Grocery
"12 Days of Wildlights" Train Ride
Reindeer Corral

Polar Frontier

Meet the Columbus Zoo's Character Ambassadors dressed in their winter best!

Shores and Aquariums

Jingle Jam, presented by Nationwide
1914 Historic Carousel
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 4D Adventure

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 (including Sunny and Phoebe, who are both pregnant!)
Discovery Reef fish and sharks
Manatees, including our beloved resident manatee, Stubby
Reptile Building residents like snakes, turtles, and hellbenders!

Columbus Zoo Map download the free zoo app

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