✨ One of Ohio's Favorite Holiday Traditions! ✨
Experience the magic of the holiday season at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium during Wildlights, Nov. 21, 2025 – Jan. 4, 2026! Stroll through millions of dazzling LED lights, enjoy animated musical light shows, and make unforgettable holiday memories with festive activities for the whole family.
🌟 Admission to Wildlights is included with regular Zoo admission or your Columbus Zoo membership.
🦓 Tip: Arrive early to visit the animals before they head in for the evening then enjoy the lights after dark!
📅 Event Dates & Times
Sunday – Thursday: 5 PM – 9 PM
Friday & Saturday: 5 PM – 10 PM
Closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve & Christmas Day
🎄 Things to See & Do at Wildlights
We have an elephant-sized ton of fun planned for you this season!
Adventure Cove
✨ NEW: Immersive glowing holiday light passage
✨ Ring in the New Year, presented by Diamond Cellar
✨ Sparkling Spruce, presented by Diamond Cellar
Conservation Lake & Entry Village
✨ NEW: Two dazzling Holiday Magic light shows
✨ NEW: Character Ambassador meet-and-greet & photo op
✨ Sounds of the Season performances, presented by 93.3 The Bus
✨ S’mores & Frosted Nuts at Wild Burger
Asia Quest
🎶 Dance with the animated Oak Ridge Bears!
🎄 Holiday Tree Trail
Australia & the Islands
✨ NEW: Dino Island Yule Tide Boat Ride (through Dec. 31)
✨ NEW: Wild Explorer Virtual Reality (through Dec. 31)
✨ NEW: S’mores & Frosted Nuts in Congo Social
North America
✨ NEW: Explore the debut of the North America Trek region!
✨ “12 Days of Wildlights” Train Ride, presented by Primrose Schools
✨ Visit the Reindeer Corral
Polar Frontier
❄️ Meet the Columbus Zoo’s Character Ambassadors in their winter best!
Shores & Aquariums
✨ Jingle Jam, presented by Nationwide
🎠 Don’t miss the 1914 Historic Carousel
🦌 Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 4D Adventure
You may also like the following events from Columbus Zoo and Aquarium:
Also check out other
Trips & Adventurous Activities in Powell,
Meetups in Powell.
