POWELL, Ohio — The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium on Tuesday is offering a sensory-friendly experience for guests to enjoy a select number of Wildlights attractions.
During the experience from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., there will be limited background sounds and smaller crowds. A limited number of indoor locations and animal areas will also be open to guests.
Those who visit during the sensory-friendly stroll can enjoy the North America Train and the Grand Carousel for an additional fee. While the music will be reduced, safety messages and the train whistle will still be present.
Sensory kits will be available for a $10 refundable deposit and will include noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses and fidget devices. The zoo says a calming room will be nearby for individuals who may require a quiet space for self-regulation.
Admission is free for zoo members, but they will have to register before attending. Tickets for non-members is $16.99 per person.
Wildlights will be open to the public from Nov. 17 through Jan. 7, 2024. Zoo members can enjoy early access to Wildlights on Nov. 16 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Wildlights activities take place Sunday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Wildlights will be closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
This year's Wildlights will feature millions of lights, various musical performances, a holiday-themed train ride, a chance to meet Santa Claus and much more.
Full list of attractions:
- Sounds of the Season,” presented by WODC 93.3 the Bus: Feel the holiday spirit as local choirs, bands, and musical groups perform at 7 p.m. at the Lakeside Pavilion stage on select nights, setting the perfect festive atmosphere.
- “12 Days of Wildlights” train ride: Experience the 12 Days of Christmas in a whole new light and hop aboard this magical train ride as you sing along to our own Zoo-themed rendition.
- “Jolliest Holiday Craft Beer Celebration,”: Offers guests ages 21+ the opportunity to sample seasonal craft beers, ciders, and seltzers at locations throughout the park. Weather permitting. (Additional fee.)
- “Sparkling Spruce,” presented by Diamond Cellar: Behold a towering animated holiday tree that dazzles with a symphony of lights and sound.
- Jingle Jam, presented by Nationwide: Features six seasonal tunes and 36 spheres of light illuminating the Shores Play Park
- Holiday Magic Animated Light Display at Conservation Lake: A spectacular display of light set to festive songs to bring out the holiday spirit in everyone.
- Holiday Tree Trail: Take a self-guided stroll through this indoor display of beautifully decorated trees representing each of the four parks and the eight regions of the Zoo, along with influences of the lovable Character Ambassadors. Guests can wrap up their visit with a photo opportunity with the larger-than-life ornaments paying tribute to their favorite destinations.
- Captivating Projection Mapping: Take in the wonder of your favorite wildlife scenes located at Bob Evans Farms My Barn in the Zoo’s North America region, and the entrance to the Naomi Coyle Dempsey Quest for Enlightenment Interpretive Center in the Asia Quest region.
- Ring in the New Year: Diamond ring photo spot, presented by Diamond Cellar, located at the entrance of Adventure Cove
- Conservation Courtyard Christmas Tree: Featuring large silver and gold animal ornaments
- S’mores Experience: Where guests can roast a giant marshmallow while taking in the sights and sounds of Wildlights on the shores of Conservation Lake. Weather permitting. (Additional fee.)
- Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 4-D®: Guests are invited on an extraordinary 4-D adventure this holiday season. (Additional fees apply.)
- Reindeer Corral: On your way to visit Santa, be sure to visit some relatives of Santa’s reindeer team.
- 1914 Mangels/Ilions Carousel: Take a spin on a timeless carousel ride that will make you feel like a kid again. (Additional fees and rider restrictions apply.)
- Santa Experience: Share your holiday wishes with Santa himself! Schedule a visit and take a keepsake photo (reservations recommended). Please note that after December 23, Santa will not be available due to other obligations.
- Rudolph and Friends Character Experience: Located in the Polar Frontier region’s underwater viewing area, guests are invited to step into Bumble’s care and meet some of the beloved characters of the classic television special, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” Rudolph, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, and Yukon Cornelius will be available at select times to greet their fans and create some holiday memories that only these loveable classic characters can!
Animal viewing opportunities:
- Sea lions (Adventure Cove)
- Jack Hanna’s Animal Encounters Village (Adventure Cove)
- Naomi Coyle Dempsey Quest for Enlightenment Interpretive Center (Asia Quest)
- Pachyderm Building (Asia Quest) – viewable until 7 p.m. nightly
- Discovery Reef Aquarium (Shores & Aquarium)
- Manatee Coast (Shores & Aquarium)
- Reptile Building (Shores & Aquarium)