POWELL, Ohio — Wildlights is returning to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium for its 36th year this holiday season.
The popular light display will be open to the public from Nov. 22 through Jan. 5, 2025. The zoo is offering a sensory-friendly light stroll on Nov. 19 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. to offer a modified experience for guests who prefer an environment with reduced sounds and visuals.
Zoo members will be able to enjoy early access to Wildlights on Nov. 21 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.
During the Wildlights season, regular zoo hours are 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
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:
- “Sparkling Spruce,” presented by Diamond Cellar: Admire an animated holiday tree illuminated with a captivating light and sound show within 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 spectacle of light and sound as the lights around Conservation Lake are set to 4 different medleys each hour..
- Holiday Tree Trail: Stroll through a display of decorated trees in the Asia Quest region, representing the Zoo’s regions and our Character Ambassador. Guests can also view an animated bear band, The Oak Ridge Bears and their Jingle Jamboree.
- Magical Projection Mapping: The Barn, presented by Bob Evans Grocery, in North America and the Naomi Coyle Dempsey Quest for Enlightenment Interpretive Center in Asia Quest come 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.)
- NEW for 2024: Dino Island gets a holiday makeover! Stop by and enjoy Dinosaur Island: Yule Tide Boat Ride, 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.
- “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 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 with a holiday classic watching it in a 4-D experience. (Additional fees apply.)
- Reindeer Corral: Visit Santa’s reindeer relatives on your way to meet Jolly Saint Nick at Polar Frontier.
- Santa Experience: Share your 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 at Polar Frontier’s underwater viewing area.
Animal viewing opportunities:
- 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)
