Akron Zoo's Wild Lights
Visitors explore the zoo transformed by dazzling holiday light displays, illuminated trees, and festive photo opportunities around animal habitats. Guests can enjoy seasonal goodies, warm beverages, and s'mores while taking in the sights. Special elf-led golf cart tours are also available featuring educational animal stories and Santa meet-and-greets.
What to Expect
Celebrate a decade of holiday wonder and dazzling zoo lighting displays.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Organizer
Akron Zoo
Food & Drink
Wild Lights features seasonal goodies and warm beverages; tour guests receive complimentary s’mores vouchers, and Santa Express guests also receive hot cocoa vouchers.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families who enjoy holiday lights and zoo experiences
Vibe
Festive and dazzling
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: 5 - 9 p.m.
- Parking: Parking is free.
- Accessibility: A limited number of complimentary wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis with a form of collateral.
- Pets: No pets are allowed on zoo grounds, including the parking lots.
Tips & Advice
- Members should buy Wild Lights tickets in advance, because a membership card alone won't get you into special events like Wild Lights.
- Reserve the Santa Express Tour at least 48 hours ahead, because the private tour and Santa visit can't be booked any later than that.
- Bring a driver's license or car keys if you plan to borrow a wheelchair or rent a stroller or scooter, because the zoo holds one while you use it.
- Leave balloons, scooters, bikes, skateboards and wheeled shoes at home, because none of them are allowed on zoo grounds.
- Dress warmly for an evening outdoors, and stay on the main paths and behind the barriers while you walk through the lights.
Special Events & Promotions
- 10-year celebration: Wild Lights is reimagined with new features and 'Wow!' moments throughout the park.
- Wild Lights Safari Tours (book separately): an education-led golf cart tour with a light-up glow stick, s'mores vouchers and animal stories.
- Zoothing Wild Lights: the first-ever date for guests who may not enjoy crowds or loud noises, with limited tickets sold separately from general admission.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What's different this year?
Wild Lights turns 10 this year. To celebrate, it has been reimagined with new features and 'Wow!' moments throughout the park, and it's brighter and bolder than before.
Is there food and drink?
Yes. Wild Lights has treats and warm drinks, and the zoo has cafes and food carts. You can also bring your own food into the zoo.
Is there a sensory-friendly night?
Yes. Zoothing Wild Lights is a special date for guests with different abilities who may not enjoy crowds or loud noises. This is its first year, tickets are limited, and they're sold separately from general Wild Lights admission.
Can I bring my dog?
No. Pets aren't allowed anywhere on zoo grounds, including the parking lots.
Do zoo members need a Wild Lights ticket?
Yes. Members still have to buy special event tickets in advance to get into Wild Lights.
More Christmas Events Near Akron
More Christmas Events near Akron
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.