Wild Lights at Elmwood Park Zoo
Guests explore a walk-through holiday experience filled with dazzling light displays, illuminated animal sculptures, and live entertainment. The event features animal greetings, carousel rides, a barrel train, and a festive beer garden. Visitors can also stop by Santa's workshop and enjoy seasonal treats like roasting marshmallows.
What to Expect
Walk-through holiday light displays, illuminated animal sculptures, and live entertainment.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Elmwood Park Zoo
Food & Drink
Seasonal treats are offered, and ZooBrew is a beer garden and bar.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with children
Vibe
Festive and glowing
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Members: adults (ages 13 and up) $14.47 online / $14.98 onsite; children (ages 3–12) $13.47 online / $13.98 onsite; babies (ages 0–2) $0.00. Non-members: adults $27.95 online / $28.95 onsite; children $24.95 online / $25.95 onsite; babies $0.00. Anytime Admission is $32.95 for ages 3 and up. Group discounts on non-member tickets: save $5 per ticket for 20+ tickets, or $8 per ticket for 75+ tickets. Cookie decorating admission is $10 per child. Dog admission is $10.95 per dog for members and $12.95 per dog for non-members; human companions must also purchase Wild Lights admission. Wild Lights tickets are non-refundable, and free zoo admission tickets or coupons are not accepted for special events. – Get tickets
- Hours: 5:00 – 9:00 PM.
- Parking: Overflow parking is at 1700 Markley Street (Logan Commerce Center). The shuttle pick-up and drop-off is by a white tent beyond the Dunkin’ parking lot on Markley Street. The free shuttle runs continuously from 5:30 PM–9:30 PM. Shuttling is provided by Easton Coach.
- Pets: Dogs may attend Dog Nights, available every Sunday night. Dog admission is $10.95 per dog for members and $12.95 per dog for non-members. Each human companion must purchase Wild Lights admission.
Tips & Advice
- Get Anytime Admission if your plans might change, since it works on any Wild Lights night and must be used by December 30.
- Members still need separate Wild Lights tickets, and free zoo admission tickets or coupons aren't accepted, so buy tickets before you go.
- Pick your night carefully before you buy, because Wild Lights tickets are non-refundable.
- If the main lot is full, use the overflow lot at Logan Commerce Center on Markley Street and ride the free shuttle in.
- Dress for the weather, because Wild Lights runs rain or shine and the playground only opens when the weather allows.
Special Events & Promotions
- Dog Nights every Sunday, with photos with Santa for dogs (extra dog ticket required).
- Cookie decorating with Santa's significant other in the zoo's diet commissary (extra ticket per child).
- Up-close meet and greets with the miniature highland cows Scooby and Shaggy every night (separate ticket).
- Santa's Workshop is open through December 23.
- Yearly members get half off Wild Lights tickets, and non-member groups of 20 or more save per ticket when booking through the group link.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, on Dog Nights every Sunday. Dogs need their own ticket, every person needs a Wild Lights ticket, and dogs can pose for a photo with Santa.
What is there for kids besides the lights?
There are carousel rides, the barrel train, animal greets, Santa's Workshop (open through December 23) and a playground, depending on weather. Kids can also decorate cookies with Santa's significant other in the zoo's diet commissary for an extra ticket.
What food and drinks are there?
There are seasonal treats, including roasting marshmallows by the fire. ZooBrew has a beer garden and bar.
Does it go ahead if it rains?
Yes, Wild Lights is held rain or shine.
Can I volunteer at Wild Lights?
Yes. Volunteers run educational games, help with photos and more. You must be 14 or older, and volunteers under 16 need an adult with them.
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