Wildlights 2026
Visitors stroll through millions of dazzling LED lights, glowing passages, and larger-than-life illuminated animal sculptures. Highlights include animated musical light shows, free rides on the 12 Days of Wildlights train and historic carousel, and LEGO displays at Bricktopia. Guests can also view indoor and outdoor animal habitats, meet character ambassadors, and visit Santa.
What to Expect
Millions of dazzling LED lights and animated musical light shows.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Food & Drink
Food includes warm pretzels, fried chicken, s’mores, and frosted nuts; seasonal beers and cocktails are available to guests age 21 or older with valid ID.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and holiday-light fans
Vibe
Festive and dazzling
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Admission to Wildlights is included with regular Zoo admission or a Columbus Zoo membership.
- Parking: Zoo members park free.
- Accessibility: The two Holiday Magic light shows and Jingle Jam carry light-sensitivity warnings.
Tips & Advice
- Arrive in the late afternoon before the lights, since gorillas, orangutans and other animals settle in early for the evening and may be out of view later.
- Keep flashlights and phone lights off in animal habitats, because they can interfere with the animals' nighttime activities and the behaviors the care teams monitor.
- Bring a card or mobile payment because the Zoo is cashless, though there are ways to convert cash to a debit card on site.
- Download the free Zoo app to find animals, food and cozy indoor spaces, and to get walking directions around the park during your visit.
- Plan your Santa visit for Dec. 23 or earlier, because Santa is not available for photos after that date.
Special Events & Promotions
- New: Starlight Safari, with seven illuminated animal sculptures, one for each region of the Zoo.
- New: Starlight Constellation Quest, sponsored by Disney on Ice presents Magic in the Stars.
- New: Bricktopia, with LEGO builds by OhioLUG inside the Asia Quest interpretive center.
- The Dino Island Yule Tide Boat Ride and Wild Explorer Virtual Reality are available only through Dec. 31.
- Zoo members get a 10% discount on all retail items in the gift shops.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What's new at Wildlights this year?
Starlight Safari has seven larger-than-life animal sculptures, one for each region of the Zoo, lit with thousands of points of light. Also new are the Starlight Constellation Quest and Bricktopia, a set of LEGO builds by OhioLUG inside the Naomi Coyle Dempsey Quest for Enlightenment Interpretive Center in Asia Quest.
Can you still see animals during Wildlights?
Yes. Gorillas and orangutans go to sleep early, so come early to see them. Reindeer and tigers may be out in their outdoor habitats. Indoors you can find sea lions, harbor seals, bats, langur monkeys, sloth bears, Asian elephants, Discovery Reef fish and sharks, manatees and the Reptile Building residents.
What rides are there?
Rides are free on the 12 Days of Wildlights Train in North America and on the 1914 Historic Carousel in Shores and Aquariums. The Dino Island Yule Tide Boat Ride is also free and runs through Dec. 31.
What is there to eat and drink?
Food ranges from warm pretzels to fried chicken. You can get S'mores and Frosted Nuts at Wild Burger and Congo Social. Kiosks around the Zoo sell seasonal beers and cocktails to guests 21 and over with a valid ID.
Can we visit Santa?
Yes, Santa is in Polar Frontier, near the Oak Ridge Bears Jingle Jamboree. He is not available for photos after Dec. 23.
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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.