Illustration of neighbours admiring a cottage yard full of lit snowmen and candy canes (Wild Lights)

Wild Lights

Visitors stroll through the forest and pathways of the zoo after dark under hundreds of thousands of sparkling lights. The evening walk features illuminated, animal-themed light sculptures glowing under the stars. On select nights during the season, guests can also catch a visit with Santa.

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Plan Your Visit

When

Tickets

Adult (13+): $15.00–$21.00; child (3–12): $15.00–$19.00; infant (0–2): $0.00. Tickets include admission and parking (a $15 value).

Hours

5:30 - 9 p.m.

Food & Drink

At the 21+ Cheers event on December 10, specialty food and adult beverages are available for an additional fee.

Parking

Parking is included with admission.

Pets

Dogs may attend the separate Dogs After Dark event with a special ticket; dogs must be well behaved.

Going?

Location

Milwaukee County Zoo · 10001 W Bluemound Rd, Milwaukee, WI 53226 Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 ⚪ (4/5)

Best For

Families and fans of holiday light displays

Vibe

Festive and enchanting

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

High

Tips & Advice

  • Choose your visiting date and entry time carefully, because tickets are nonrefundable and nontransferable.
  • Dress warmly for the after-dark outdoor walk through forest areas and pathways.
  • Use the Zoo Pass Member Portal to create an account and access the automatically applied 20% discount.
  • Remember that parking is included with admission, so you do not need to arrange separate event parking.
  • If you hope to see Santa, choose a listed visit night, and note that December 10 is a 21+ event.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Infants aged 0–2 enter free.
  • Zoo Pass members receive a discount on tickets.
  • Early-bird ticket special through 8 November.
  • Santa visits on select nights from 9–12 and 16–23 December.
  • Cheers! is an adults-only event for ages 21 and over on 10 December.

Links & Contact

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their website.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included with a Wild Lights ticket?

Admission to the walk-through light displays and parking are included.

What ages are covered by the ticket categories?

Ticket categories are for adults aged 13 and over, children aged 3–12, and infants aged 0–2.

Can I bring my dog to the regular Wild Lights walk?

Dogs are permitted at the separate Dogs After Dark event with a special ticket; dogs must be well behaved.

Are there other ways to experience the lights?

Separate ticketed options include a drive-through experience, Cheers! for adults aged 21 and over, Dogs After Dark and Zoo Year’s Eve.

Can I change my visit date after buying a ticket?

No. Tickets are nonrefundable and nontransferable, so select your visiting date carefully.

Browse Christmas in Milwaukee

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.

Contributors & Updates

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